Portsmouth Football Club

• Nickname:Pompey
• Founded:1898
• Manager:Guy Whittingham

• Ground:Fratton Park
• Capacity:19179

Fernandes set for Pompey exit

18 Dec 2006 - 16:00:06

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Portsmouth will not pursue their interest in Manuel Fernandes and keep the on loan Benfica midfielder at the club.

The 21-year-old is on loan at Fratton Park until January 1 but Pompey boss Harry Redknapp does not believe his performances this season justify the £12million fee he would have to pay to make the transfer permanent.

"All I know is if he starts three Premier League games in a row a permanent deal clicks in. I didn't do the deal. It wasn't my idea. I inherited it," revealed Redknapp.

"But the fee is £12million and I don't want to pay £12million. I've spoken to Manuel about it and even he thinks the price is too high.

"He's a good player and for the right fee I would buy him. He's a young kid with potential, but I couldn't put my name to £12million for him."

Fernandes netted on his debut for Pompey in the Carling Cup at Mansfield but during an injury-plagued campaign has made only five Premiership starts.