Portsmouth administrator Trevor Birch says he expects Blues target Joel Ward to be the next player to exit Fratton Park. Last night, Leeds were reported to be winning the race for the versatile 22-year-old defender or midfielder.

Birch said: “Someone like Joel Ward will, I think, be the next one to go. There are two or three Championship clubs interested in him.

“Things aren’t going that quickly, though, and it becomes a bit difficult. There are two or three other players also being looked at by clubs so the interest is there, without a question.

“People like Erik Huseklepp, Greg Halford, Luke Varney, David Norris, there are a few of them who could be sold and we are looking to go down that route. With others, we are waiting to see if they are going to attract interest.”

Birch is frustrated that it’s taking a while to get deals done as he looks to halve Pompey’s £10.5 million wage bill ahead of their 2012/13 League One campaign: "The problem is these sort of things can take longer than you think and time is not what we have.”

Meanwhile, the Blues have been given the Football League Family Excellence Award for the fifth year running.

Photo: Action Images

Photo: Action Images

hollywoodginge added 13:41 - May 10 If we don't get Ward get Greg Halford, he can play ANYWHERE. Cracking player.
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bontcho added 13:43 - May 10 David Norris!!!!
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Michael11 added 13:46 - May 10 Wouldn't take Norris back! I'd happily take Greg Halford though, one of the most versatile players ever!
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brian_a_mul added 14:16 - May 10 Yep Halford is a cracking player indeed. I would definitely spend 600-750k for him.
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raze added 15:23 - May 10 Norris can do one!
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hampstead_blue added 15:44 - May 10 Norris! I've one word for that little twerp.....KARMA!
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tractorboy11uk added 15:52 - May 10 Halford will never come here trust me, and after the things his close relatives used to say about ITFC best he doesn't ! Might be a good player but wouldn't be coming here out of love . We need committed players who actually want to be here !
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alfromcol added 18:49 - May 10 Norris got what he deserved, driven by money, no loyalty. Not wanted back here! Halford is a bit of a cart-horse style of player when he played for Colchester, may have improved.
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DaneITFC added 21:04 - May 10 We wont get ward and we wont get nobody. I dread to see the squad at the start of the season, weve released like 6 players and will struggle to bring in one. Get ready for a few months of transfer rumours that will never happen.
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SheffieldBlue1 added 21:15 - May 10 "We all Hate Leeds, Scum! Wet all hate Leeds, Scum!" Except, ironically enough, all of our transfer targets.
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alfromcol added 21:17 - May 10 DaneITFC Apart from Leadboots, who only played well in the last months of the season, we haven't released anyone who would have contributed to a top 6 place next season. Be patient.
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craigyboy10 added 23:36 - May 10 Erik huseklepp wouldn't mind a triple swoop halford ward and huseklepp
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Surco72 added 07:58 - May 11 Last season we kept stealing Leeds targets and look how that ended ? I thought Halford was their best player at Fratton Park against us this season
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