Lens cling on to Thomert

Lens have made a last-ditch attempt to hang on to Portsmouth-bound Olivier Thomert.

Harry Redknapp's club had been believed to have reached a ‚é¼10 million (£6.8 million) agreement with the Stade Felix-Bollaert outfit, but Lens have now cast doubt on the player's fee and future.

Pompey were set to open negotiations on personal terms with the 26-year-old, but Racing have not yet given up hope of retaining his services.

"At this moment, Olivier Thomert is expected at Portsmouth," Lens director of sport Francis Colado declared.

"But he is still with us, and he has a chance to stay too. I also want to clear up the fact the sum announced is a fantasy and is not realistic."

The hotly-tipped frontman has attracted interest across Europe, despite an injury-hit Ligue 1 season in which he scored six goals, and Redknapp will be anxious to seal the deal as soon as possible.