Source: Daily_Mail
Portsmouth and Middlesbrough at war over Gary O'Neil's final transfer fee
Dispute: Former Portsmouth man Gary O'Neil[LNB]Gary O'Neil will not play for Middlesbrough against West Brom on Saturday after Portsmouth rejected the latest compromise offer over his final transfer fee instalment.[LNB]O'Neil has played 99 games for Boro following his move in 2007 and as part of the deal Portsmouth are due £1m when he completes 100 games. [LNB]However, Boro are trying to avoid this and chief executive Keith Lamb wants to re-negotiate a deal. [LNB]But Portsmouth's administrator Andrew Andronikou said: 'Unfortunately their offer was miles away from what we expected. I took the initiative with Mr Lamb. I contacted him and put what I believe is a reasonable offer but Middlesbrough's proposal fell well short of that. [LNB]'With all due respect to Middlesbrough I have so many other matters to deal with regarding Portsmouth I don't have time to become involved in protracted negotiations with them. [LNB]'The ball is now in their court and unless they come back with a significantly improved offer then that is an end to the matter. [LNB]'It seems to me they are posturing because we are in administration and think that any offer they make is better than nothing.' [LNB] Boro in £1m play-off gamble over O'Neil as Pompey play hard-ballPremier League could demand proof of funds to avoid repeat of PortsmouthPortsmouth's FA Cup hero Boateng stranded by volcanic ash cloudPORTSMOUTH FC
