Pompey lead Diop race

Diop set for South Coast switch

By Graeme Bailey   Last updated: 20th August 2007

Pompey lead Diop race

Diop: Set to leave

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Portsmouth are leading the chase for Fulham midfielder Papa Bouba Diop, skysports.com can confirm.

The Senegalese international has been told by Fulham boss Lawrie Sanchez hat he can leave the club and Diop is now considering his options.

The likes of Newcastle, Sunderland and Birmingham are keen - but Pompey have made their move and are in pole position to conclude a deal.

Ready to go

"I told the new manager in the summer I wanted a new challenge and now he has said yes," said Diop.

"He said 'now this is my team so if you want to leave go ahead'.

"I have many offers and I am just waiting. I will stay in England in the Premier League. I have had a good pre-season and I'm ready. I'm just waiting.

"I don't know if it will be anyone like Arsenal or Manchester United but I have good teams in England interested and I must wait. I don't want to say who they are yet.

"But I do expect to have left Fulham by the time the transfer window closes.

"I want a fresh challenge. And now the clubs know how much money Fulham want. But I don't have any control over that. I am just focused on my job."