Portsmouth executive chairman Peter Storrie has rubbished suggestions they must sell several of their stars this month to balance the books. Owner Alexandre Gaydamak is known to be open to offers for the FA Cup holders and reports have repeatedly called Pompey's financial situation into question.

"Quite simply the media speculation is a load of rubbish," Storrie told the club's official website.

"The club is not in any financial difficulty. Yes, we are up for sale, but so are about a third of Premier League clubs.

"Sacha Gaydamak will only sell to a buyer who is prepared to invest and take the club to the next level. If that doesn't happen he will continue to support Portsmouth Football Club in the same way that he has for the past three years.

"Having sold Lassana Diarra to Real Madrid we do not have to sell any more players."