Portsmouth have told David James he is not wanted for next season, it has been revealed.

The Daily Star says Tottenham target James, 40 in August, was hoping to negotiate fresh terms after waving a clause triggering a year's extension to his £50,000-a-week deal after playing 25 games.

Amazingly administrator Andrew Andronikou decided to inform James Pompey cannot afford to keep him moments before he met up with the rest of Avram Grant's squad for the trip to London.

A stoney-faced James could not hide his disappointment as he posed for pictures with fans who had turned out to wave their Cup Final heroes off.

A source said: "The timing of the announcement was appalling.

"David was really looking forward to the Cup Final, but what the administrator had to say completely knocked him off his stride. Why couldn't they have waited until next week?

"He has been a great servant to this club and feels he deserve to be shown more respect."