Tal Ben Haim remains in contract dispute with West Ham, keeping his future hanging in the balance.
Defender facing uncertain future
Tal Ben Haim remains in contract dispute with West Ham, keeping his future hanging in the balance.
The Israeli defender spent the first half of the 2010/11 campaign on loan at Upton Park, with Portsmouth keen to part with his hefty salary.
That agreement has come to an end, but he has been unable to return to Fratton Park.
Ben Haim has become locked in a disagreement with the Hammers regarding the deal, while financial difficulties have prevented him from linking up with Pompey.
The issue has become a confusing mess, with Steve Cotterill admitting he is uncertain as to what will happen next.
Disagreement
He said: "I don't know the answer. That's more of a political question probably for someone else.
"Tal is not training with us. That's why we are still on six-a-sides. He could come back I suppose, but I absolutely don't know, honestly.
"The only small bit I do know is that he is in a disagreement with West Ham over whether his contract was valid from 1st January.
"As a player we would welcome him. Whether we would welcome his wage is a question for someone else."
Midfielders Richard Hughes and Michael Brown are also in limbo, as Portsmouth have failed to open negotiations on waiving the clauses in their contracts that entitles them to new deals if they play one more game for the club.
