Source: Telegraph
Chelsea threaten Liverpool's chances of signing Glen Johnson from Portsmouth
Earlier this week it was claimed the Merseyside club were leading the way to secure the 24-year-old's signature, but now it seems Chelsea's promise of a higher wage packet has swung the pendulum the other way.
According to the Sun, Johnson favours a move to Liverpool following his less than enjoyable spell with Chelsea during which he made just 34 league starts over four seasons, but either way, his exit is inevitable.
"The matter will come to a conclusion at the beginning of next week," said Portsmouth executive chairman (Peter Storrie). "I do not have a preference over the move it is up to Glen.
"The deals are almost identical so it really is down to him and what club he prefers - which one is going to pay him more money."
Graciously understanding the right-back decision to leave, in particular the impact it could have on his chances of a place in Fabio Capello's England squad to play in next summer's World Cup, Storrie added: "Glen wants to play regularly in the Champions League, he has got himself back in the England side, so I understand that.
"Sometimes you have to be fair to players.
"It's a big year for him with the World Cup coming up [and] paying Champions League football will make him a batter player than he is today."
On the downside for Portsmouth is the prospect of having to reconstruct their entire back line.
With Johnson's move all but signed and sealed, Sylvain Distin looking for his Fratton Park exit and Sol Campbell considering a move to FC Basle, Storrie will no doubt be on the hunt for a host of defenders this summer.
