Cardiff City have confirmed they have reached an agreement with Portsmouth to take midfielder Liam Lawrence on loan for the remainder of the season.
Midfielder joining promotion hopefuls Cardiff until the summer
Cardiff City have confirmed they have reached an agreement with Portsmouth to take midfielder Liam Lawrence on loan for the remainder of the season.
Lawrence is a key member of manager Michael Appleton's squad, but their dire financial situation means they need to take cost-cutting measures.
The 30-year-old has started 23 league games for the club, who are now in the drop zone following a 10-point deduction after entering administration.
Pompey will receive a loan fee from Cardiff while the South Wales outfit will pay the player's wages in full.
Lawrence will swap the battle against the drop for the race to win promotion with Cardiff sixth in the Championship table.
The former Sunderland and Mansfield midfielder could make his Bluebirds debut in Sunday's mouth-watering clash with promotion rivals West Ham.
Sadness
Lawrence has expressed his sadness at leaving, telling the club's
official website: "I'm really sad to be leaving Pompey behind for the rest of the season, but if my move can help the club carry on then it's something I'm willing to do.
"Despite all the off-the-pitch difficulties I've had some fantastic times here, playing for the most amazing set of supporters in the country.
"I'll miss everyone at Pompey, and just hope that under the leadership of Michael Appleton the boys can pull through and stay in the Championship."
Pompey administrator Trevor Birch added: "It's very tough to lose Liam but the club is in a grave situation and we have to do everything we can to stay afloat.
"We are receiving a loan fee from Cardiff, who are paying Liam all his wages, so it's a deal that is going to make a significant difference to us over the coming weeks."
The loan runs until the end of May meaning Lawrence would be available for the Championship play-offs if necessary.
