19.05.2010
Relegated Portsmouth offer new deals to Kanu, James
Nigeria forward Nwankwo Kanu and England goalkeeper David Jmaes have been offered new contracts by Portsmouth.
Avram Grant's team will start next season in the English Championship after a woeful campaign marred by financial chaos ended in relegation from the Premier League.
But FA Cup runners-up Pompey, who have debts of over 130 million pounds, are keen to keep several of their more experienced players in a bid to win a quick return to the top-flight.
Kanu, 33, James, 40, Hermann Hreidarsson, 35, and Ricardo Rocha, 31, have all been given the chance to extend their stays at Fratton Park.
Promising youngsters Lenny Sowah, Joel Ward and Marlon Pack will also be retained, but Angelos Basinas, Jamie Ashdown, former Republic of Ireland international defender Steve Finnan and OJ Koroma have been released.
Tottenham's Jamie O'Hara, Lens striker Aruna Dindane, Benfica's Hassan Yebda and Lyon's Frederic Piquionne will return to their clubs at the end of their loan spells.
"Preparations for Pompey's 2010-11 season are already under way, as the football club looks to build a strong squad capable of challenging for the Championship title," a statement on the club's website said.
"The football club can confirm it has offered new contracts to influential first-team FA Cup heroes David James, Kanu, Hermann Hreidarsson and Ricardo Rocha.
"It's hoped the popular quartet will bring a wealth of experience and strength to the Blues' side as they seek to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking."
Source: © 2010 AFP - John Thys
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