Pompey embargo lifted by PL chiefs

The cash-strapped club have been given the green light to enter the transfer market after Udinese agreed to the rescheduling of the balance of around £3.6million still owed for the transfer of Sulley Muntari in 2007. The Premier League will also return around £1.6m owed to Portsmouth from television money they had previously withheld. It means Pompey boss Grant can now look to bring in new players as he looks to strengthen his squad before the transfer window shuts next Monday. Portsmouth executive director Mark Jacob was delighted with the news after being placed under the embargo for 103 days. "We have been working very, very hard behind the scenes and are delighted the embargo has now been lifted," Jacob told The News on Tuesday. "It will now enable Avram Grant to strengthen the squad where necessary. "This is another piece of the jigsaw we are trying to put back together. "I sincerely hope supporters can get fully behind the team against West Ham for what is a crucial match and generate that Fratton fortress atmosphere once again."