Portsmouth were never going to block Glen Johnson's desire to join a top four club.

It was announced yesterday that Liverpool had agreed terms with the England international fullback.

And Pompey chairman Peter Storrie said last week: "Glen has obviously had a fantastic season for us and has established himself as one of the best right-backs in the league if not the country at the moment.

"I've known Glen for a long time since his West Ham days so when I re-signed him we talked it over and he asked if one of the big four clubs, who were in the Champions League, came in for him would we stand in his way of a move.

"I said that I couldn't do that provided the deal is good for Portsmouth and for Glen."