Portsmouth not certain to lose manager Grant

Portsmouth are still hoping Avram Grant remains in charge at Fratton Park, despite the Israeli being lined up to take over at West Ham.

Grant is understood to be top of the Hammers' wanted list to replace Gianfranco Zola, who was sacked last week after the club only just retained their Barclays Premier League status.

The Israeli's affection for the south-coast club does not make his decision an easy one, and administrator Andrew Andronikou feels there is still "every chance" Grant could elect to fight on for Pompey in the Coca-Cola Championship.

"Avram has not yet decided to go, in fact I think he wants to stay with us," Andronikou told the Portsmouth News.

"I spoke to him on Monday night and he is still contemplating.

"The future of this club is still on his mind.

"He wants to know the outcome of the CVA (company voluntary arrangement), something I am absolutely confident will go through by the middle of next month.

"Avram can see that we are moving things forward and, for that reason, I believe we have every chance of keeping him.

"I want him to stay, but all this conjecture is putting intense pressure on him.

"We had a gentleman's agreement that he would see out the season, now we are in discussions about the next stage.

"He has the full support of the club and we want him to remain here."