David James's move to Stoke collapses over funding of wage payments

With James' contract expiring at the end of June, Portsmouth had wanted to completely remove the England goalkeeper from their wage bill and so make a saving of around £1 million, but it is understood that Stoke were only prepared to part-fund a weekly salary of around £50,000. "As far as I am concerned, if a fellow Premier League side want to take a Premier League player, then pay his wages. Why bother even ringing if they are not going to pay his wages?' said Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie. It means that James is now in the Portsmouth squad that plays Birmingham on Saturday, although there is some doubt over whether he will automatically displace Asmir Begovic. It is understood that, should James play 20 matches this season for Portsmouth, he will automatically trigger a 12-month contract extension. Portsmouth also say that all outstanding payments to other British clubs have now been honoured and have expressed their 'disappointment' at the Premier League's current refusal to lift their transfer embargo. Stoke face Liverpool, with manager Tony Pulis expressing sympathy for Rafael Benitez. 'I think Rafa has been a little unfortunate this year in the respect that his best players have either been injured or not really on top form they've not performed like they can do,' said Pulis.

Source: Telegraph