Portsmouth takeover takes a twist as chief exec Storrie starts buyout talks

19 August 2009 18:10
Portsmouth's tortuous takeover saga has taken another twist - with the club's chief executive Peter Storrie leading a consortium to buy the club from Alexandre Gaydamak. Arab businessman Sulaiman Al Fahim agreed to buy the club for £60million back in July but has yet to complete the deal, while the club's financial situation means players have had to be sold. It is reported that Storrie, backed by at least one unnamed backer, will buy half the club, while Al Fahim looks set to claim the other 50 per cent. A statement on the club's official website read: 'A new consortiumled by chief executive officer Peter Storrie is in negotiations withthe owner of Portsmouth FC to buy the Premier League club. 'The group is very positive about the talks and are confident that the deal can be completed. 'Sulaiman Al Fahim may partner the new consortium through Al Fahim Asia Associates. 'The necessary Premier League regulations and requirements regarding beneficial ownership will be complied with. 'No further comment will be made by the club until any purchase is complete.' Fratton Park boss Paul Hart will be hoping for a quick conclusion. A number of his first-team squad - those that remain, at least - have voiced concerns. England goalkeeper David James is the latest to have been linked with a move away from the South Coast club, who lost their opening fixture of the season 1-0 to Fulham. Hart has a number of transfer targets - including Bolton's Gavin McCann and Danny Shittu - and admits he needs to strengthen in every position. However, many deals have been held up by the financial uncertainty. Hart isconsidered the favourite with the bookmakers to be the first top-flightmanager sacked this season, having seen several of his first-teamplayers squad leave, most notably Glen Johnson and Peter Crouch, whosemoves to Liverpool and Tottenham respectively fetched £26million. Former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein is rumoured to be part of Storrie's consortium.

Source: Daily_Mail