David James off to Stoke City in bid to save cash-strapped Portsmouth from going under

David James will lead the Fratton Park exodus this week as Portsmouth step up a clearout of their best players in a bid to avoid administration - or even closure. The England keeper, whose loan move to Stoke is back on, was left out of Portsmouth's 2-1 FA Cup win over Sunderland on Saturday. Off on loan: David James Pompey manager Avram Grant was only able to name a squad of just 16 players, not the full 18. Hundreds of fans marched on the ground before the tie to voice theirprotest against owner Ali al-Faraj and chief executive Peter Storrie. It is uncertain whether Portsmouth can afford to pay staff theirJanuary wages on Friday, having failed to meet their payroll on time onthree previous occasions this season. Meanwhile, it has emerged that Hong Kong businessman Balram Chainraihas tightened his grip on the club by changing the terms on the £20m orso he has lent them. That loan is now secured against not only Fratton Park, but also therest of the club's assets, giving him almost total control of theirdestiny.The club face liquidation if they are unable to pay their tax debtsby February 10. But they hope to get a transfer embargo lifted soon byproviding the Premier League documentation surrounding thecontroversial Sulley Muntari transfer deal. Portsmouth 2 Sunderland 1: Pompey go marching on but fans fear worstDaniel King: The window is shutting on a bleak midwinterJames future remains unclear as Stoke boss Pulis reveals new hold-upPORTSMOUTH FC

Source: Daily_Mail