Get set to play for us, Prince
Prince Boateng has been told to prepare for Championship football unless Pompey receive the fee they crave.
That is the frank warning from boss Steve Cotterill as the Blues look to maximise the highly-coveted midfielder's transfer potential.
The Ghana midfielder was set to return to Pompey training today after being allowed additional time off following his World Cup exploits.
John Utaka and Kanu both came back on Tuesday, while Aaron Mokoena is scheduled to check in this weekend.
Yet the 6m-rated Boateng's continued presence remains the most fascinating issue, considering the amount of interest from other clubs including Genoa, Lazio and Stoke.
Meanwhile, Olympiakos are keen to spend four million euros and offer former Blackburn striker Matt Derbyshire to persuade Pompey to do business.
The 23-year-old Boateng clearly has no future at Fratton Park.
However, the Blues are determined not to allow their prize asset to be undervalued.
And Cotterill insists he has no qualms about throwing Boateng into Championship football if they do not get their way.
He said: 'Prince was meant to be back today and could be in the frame for the weekend.
'He could also still be with us in the Championship when the season starts.
'It's not about how much we want for him, it's how much we need.
'We are not about to sell anybody cheaper, we don't need to do that.
'Everybody may think we might need to – but we don't. The price is what the price is. If he stays, I'm sure he will be fine playing in the Championship. I've spoken to quite a few people about him and he rang yesterday to say he would be in training.
'Along with Utaka and Kanu, he will be in the squad for the weekend, that's for sure.'
The future appears to be a little more unclear over Tal Ben-Haim.
The Israeli defender failed a medical at West Ham and is still on Pompey's books.
Yet Cotterill has not seen him since returning from the tour to America and Canada.
There is more encouraging news over Mokoena.
Cotterill added: 'Aaron could be back this weekend, but I don't know whether it will be on the Saturday or Sunday at this moment.
'His delay coming back has been down to personal reasons, but everything is okay.
'He'll be back, there is no major drama, it's not an issue.
'As for Ben-Haim, I couldn't tell you where he is at the moment. I haven't seen him.
'One minute I see him, then I don't.
'I've got on very well with Tal, but have yet to be able to pick him in a team because he's not been available to us.
'I need an update on that situation.'
It has been reported that Pompey may have to fork out up to 500,000 in wages at the end of this week to players no longer at the club.
Regulations state clubs are bound to pay an extra month's salary to a player whose contract has expired but has not signed for another club as part of normal severance.
That would mean the Blues having to cough up for David James – who is now being linked to Bristol City – Steve Finnan, Ricardo Rocha, Ange-los Basinas and Ben-Haim.
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Weather for Portsmouth
Saturday 11 February 2012
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