LONDON - PORTSMOUTH admitted on Thursday that England striker Jermain Defoe is set to leave the club during the January transfer window.

Defoe has been linked with moves to Manchester City, Aston Villa as well as a return to former club Spurs who he left 12 months ago.

Pompey chairman Peter Storrie conceded for the first time the 26-year-old is set to be on his way while also rubbishing reports that the FA Cup holders are about to lose Glen Johnson and Peter Crouch.

Storrie told the Portsmouth News: 'We don't speak about transfers as a rule but this talk about there being a bid from Spurs for Glen and Peter is complete and utter rubbish.

'(But) it looks like Jermain wants to go. That is something we will be speaking to him about.'

'If Jermain goes it will be at our price and if there is an offer which appeals. We have always said we will not keep people who do not want to play for Portsmouth Football Club.'

'We do not have to sell anyone, but if anyone wants to go that is a different matter. We have sold Lassana Diarra and we don't have to get rid of anyone else if we don't want to.' -- AFP