And the Blues are confident of keeping Sean Davis and Richard Hughes at Fratton Park, too, after offering the duo contract extensions.

It was feared Johnson would be another big-name departure this month, with the likes of Liverpool believed to be interested in the right-back.

But despite the exit of Lassana Diarra and likely sale of Jermain Defoe, the England international is thought to be happy to stay at Pompey.

And talks are progressing to extend his current deal, which does not run out until 2011, to 2013.

Meanwhile, key performers Davis and Hughes are to be offered new contracts – six months earlier than planned.

Boss Tony Adams had previously insisted he was willing to wait until the end of the season before deciding on the futures of 15 out-of-contract players.

As well as Davis and Hughes, that list also includes Sol Campbell, Noe Pamarot, Kanu and Glen Little.

Yet he's had a change of heart, with Hughes and Davis expected to pen fresh deals this week.

The two unquestionably deserve the recognition and have made no secret of their desire to remain at Pompey.

Both were out of favour under Harry Redknapp, yet have come roaring back with Davis, in particular, catching the eye following some outstanding recent all-action displays.

Hughes was kept out of Saturday's Bristol City draw with a knee injury aggravated against Arsenal.

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