Source: SKY_Sports
Kranjcar off next summer
Niko Kranjcar has no intention of signing a new contract at Portsmouth and will leave the club next summer.
The Croatia international joined Pompey from Hajduk Split in 2006 and has become a firm fans' favourite at Fratton Park.
Blessed with outstanding natural ability, the 24-year-old has quickly become one of the Premier League's top talents.
The speed in which has was initially able to adapt to the English game has made him a target for some of Europe's top clubs in the past, with a big-money move often touted.
He has remained loyal to Portsmouth throughout the speculation, but has now made it clear that his time on the South Coast is coming to a close.
With financial troubles currently hindering Pompey's plans for the future, Kranjcar feels he needs to move on in order to fulfil his own lofty ambitions.
"For now I am staying, but we have not strengthened like I would have liked us to," he said.
"That's why I will not sign a new contract. It's one more season for me and then I'm off."
The news will come as a major blow to Portsmouth boss Paul Hart, as he has already been forced to part with a number of his top stars.
The Fratton Park chief is, however, tipping summer signing Frederic Piquionne for big things, and the Frenchman could yet help to soften the blow of Kranjcar's inevitable departure.
"He's a good, honest lad who runs hard and heads it well," said Hart.
"He is going to be a problem for Premier League defenders. He's played up front on his own before so he's aware of what's needed and he caused Rangers problems (in a recent friendly).
"The lad puts defenders under pressure, he has that movement down the channels and as a manager you want the ability to run in behind.
"His enthusiasm and willingness to run behind the defence has been a revelation for us.
"I'm sure he can adapt but you have got to be prepared and let him settle in and find his feet. I hope he will have an impact on the Premier League.
"That's what he wants and he's had a couple of quiet seasons, now he's trying to prove people wrong."
