Pompey reach Ben Haim agreement (From Daily Echo)

Portsmouth reach Tal Ben Haim exit agreement

10:11am Thursday 9th August 2012 in Football League

Portsmouth's hopes of avoiding liquidation tomorrow have been given a huge shot in the arm after Israel defender Tal Ben Haim agreed to leave the club.

Administrator Trevor Birch had set an August 10 deadline for all the club's senior players to depart or reach compromise agreements over wages.

Just Ben Haim, reportedly on wages of £36,000 a week, and midfielder Liam Lawrence remain, although the latter's future is also expected to be clarified soon.

Birch said in a statement: ''I am pleased to announce we have reached a compromise agreement with Tal Ben Haim, who will now leave the club.

''We expect to make an announcement on Liam Lawrence's future later and, whilst the situation with Kanu has not yet been resolved, we are cautiously optimistic about our prospects.

''The progress we have made over the past 24 hours means there is now a much better prospect of meeting the conditions of the CVA, completing the sale of the club and avoiding liquidation.

''As a result, we will now push on with our negotiations with Portpin, with a view to finalising a (takeover) deal in the next few days.

''There is still more to do, and the club's future is not yet guaranteed, but we're in a stronger position and will now take some additional time to try to conclude matters.''