New deal for loyal Linvoy

Portsmouth's veteran central defender Linvoy Primus has been handed a new one-year contract after being out of action all season with a career-threatening knee injury.

Primus, 34, has signed the new deal - to replace his current one which expires in June - five months after it looked certain he would have to retire.

Now, after pushing on with his rehabilitation following surgery by knee specialist Richard Steadman in the United States in January, he is looking forward to being fully fit for pre-season training in July and admits: "The club have stuck by me. I am very grateful for that, and look forward to playing for Pompey again."

Primus joined Pompey in July 2000 on a free transfer from Reading and has made 218 first-team appearances, establishing himself as one of the club's most admired players - especially for his performances last season when he played 39 matches after it was generally assumed that Sol Campbell had been brought in to replace him.

Meanwhile, Pompey have officially denied stories emanating from Portugal that Campbell is set to leave the club at the end of the season.

Chief executive Peter Storrie has gone public on the club's website www.portsmouthfc.co.uk following speculation that the former Tottenham, Arsenal and England star would soon be on his way after Pompey were linked with an interest in signing several overseas stars.

Storrie said: "Those reports are totally inaccurate and without any substance. Sol is happy at Portsmouth and has another year left on his contract.

"He is concentrating on leading the team at Wembley in the FA Cup final plus the challenge of the UEFA Cup next season if we beat Cardiff.

"No-one at the club has at any time suggested this will be Sol's last season with us and it's our policy not to speculate on any transfer activity."