Pompey still hopeful over Pennant

Portsmouth have not given up hope of signing Jermaine Pennant – even though the winger has pleaded with Liverpool not to sell him.

The two clubs have agreed a fee for the 26-year-old, who has only started two Barclays Premier League games this season and has not featured for Liverpool since October 28.

Pennant said yesterday his preference would be to stay at Anfield and compete for his place in the team.

“I have always maintained my position of wanting to stay at the club. I am happy to compete for my place here and hope I am given the chance to do so,” he said.

Portsmouth manager Tony Adams is keen to make Pennant, who played for Liverpool in the 2007 Champions League final, his first signing since taking over at Fratton Park.

And Pompey executive chairman Peter Storrie said last night: “We spoke at length with his agent (on Thursday) and hopefully some time over the weekend we can move things forward.”