However, league rules state that clubs can only enter into two domestic loan deals, the managers thought it was two from the Premier League plus others from the Nationwide.
With Portsmouth having already taken Russian Alexei Smertin on a temporary basis from Chelsea, the agreement they struck with West Brom striker Jason Roberts to join on loan today means the Harte deal has been ruled a non-starter.
"It's a blow because we were all set to bring Ian in and both clubs were extremely happy with the circumstances of the deal," chief executive Peter Storrie told the club's website, www.pompeyfc.co.uk
"It was a simple misinterpretation by both Harry and Peter Reid of some fairly confusing rules.
"We are sorry to have lost out on Ian but the rules as they are, there is nothing we can do."