15 Dec 2009Portsmouth 'struggling to overturn transfer ban'

Football Clubs News | Football Finance News

Portsmouth are fighting a losing battle in their attempts to overturn the transfer embargo imposed by the English Premier League, according to reports.

The south coast club have been holding talks with league officials in the hope of lifting the ban before the transfer window opens in January, when manager Avram Grant hopes to bolster his squad.

However, Portsmouth were recently told that sanctions will remain in place unless they can pay off some of their debts to clubs including Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Watford, the Times reports.

The money owed to Watford over the signings of Tommy Smith and Mike Williamson is thought to have been identified as the most pressing matter, as the Championship side are facing considerable financial difficulties of their own.

Like other English Premier League teams, Portsmouth are due to receive a £7 million broadcast revenue payment next month, but these funds could now be directed straight to the club's creditors.

Last week, Portsmouth issued a statement denying reports that they were on the verge of entering administration.

Written by Terry Mitchell

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