Portsmouth Football Club News

• Nickname:Pompey
• Founded:1898
• Manager:Michael Appleton

• Ground:Fratton Park
• Capacity:19,179

Celtic anger Mandaric

23 Aug 2006 - 13:28:10

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Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric has accused Celtic of pricing unsettled midfielder Stilian Petrov out of a move.

Pompey have been chasing the Bulgaria international's signature ever since he revealed he wants to leave Celtic and continue his career in England.

The Scottish champions have rejected a series of bids from Portsmouth and their refusal to accept the latest £7million offer was the final straw for Mandaric.

He told the Daily Record: "Unfortunately we have to look for someone else. The transfer window is going to close very soon and, with all due respect, Celtic are being unreasonable with their demands.

"I don't think Celtic have any intention of letting him go to us or to anyone else.

"If they needed the money from his sale to buy in other players then they would have been more reasonable with us. Instead, all they have done is increase and increase their demands.

"There is now nothing more we can do. We rate him highly and we wanted him but we now have to move on."