Portsmouth and Middlesbrough at war over Gary O'Neil's final transfer fee

Dispute: Former Portsmouth man Gary O'NeilGary 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.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. However, Boro are trying to avoid this and chief executive Keith Lamb wants to re-negotiate a deal. 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. '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. '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. 'It seems to me they are posturing because we are in administration and think that any offer they make is better than nothing.'  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

Source: Daily_Mail