Source: SKY_Sports
Hart - Pompey stars must stay
Portsmouth boss Paul Hart admits he is desperate to hold on to his best players for the upcoming season.
Pompey take on Fulham at Fratton Park on Saturday, and the likes of Sylvain Distin, David James and Niko Kranjcar are all still being linked with moves away from the South Coast.
Manchester City and Sunderland are the latest clubs rumoured to be interested in central defender Distin, but Hart will be keen to keep the 31-year-old Frenchman at Portsmouth.
England goalkeeper James and Croatia international Kranjcar have also been constantly linked with summer departures, and Hart has made it clear he needs those players if the club are going to stay in the Premier League.
"The big players came up trumps at the back end of last season," he told The News.
"They have been excellent in their preparations in pre-season. They can't be faulted and are as important to us as every member of staff are. We can give them a platform to go on and be a success.
"That's what we're all about. David is the No.1 keeper for England, Sylvain is one of the top defenders in the Premier League - that's why there has been so much interest in him this summer.
"Niko is a top international player. These people have pride, that's why they deliver. It goes without saying that I want those players here."
Meanwhile, Hart must decide whether former West Ham, Rangers and Shrewsbury Town forward Moses Ashikodi will continue at Fratton Park after his trial period.
