Utaka set for Pompey exit

Utaka: On verge of Pompey exit

Nigeria forward John Utaka is on the brink of leaving Portsmouth, according to manager Steve Cotterill.

Financially-stricken Pompey went into administration last season and suffered relegation from the Premier League as a result, meaning the club have been forced to part ways with some of their players.

Utaka is the latest name to be linked with a Fratton Park exit, and has attracted interest from Sunderland, while clubs in the Middle East and France are also reportedly keen on the 28-year-old.

And former Notts County boss Cotterill has confirmed Utaka's departure is imminent as Pompey prepare for a season in the Championship.

Imminent

"There's a move on the cards for John. I think something could definitely happen there," Cotterill told the Portsmouth News.

"We've got to get the numbers down for the Football League because of this embargo before we can try and entertain getting more players.

"Unfortunately now, what we're going to be doing is loaning because a lot of the free transfers are gone.

"It's a tough situation but it's a top club."