O'Neill out to scupper Berger switch to Pompey

Jan 22 2008 By Bill Howell, Birmingham Mail

PATRIK Berger's hopes of a lucrative return to Portsmouth look set to be dashed by Martin O'Neill, who is not keen to lose the Czech play-maker.

Berger has been offered an 18-month deal to reignite his Premier League career after an injury-blighted three years at Villa Park.

He is still recovering from a hamstring injury and has made just five substitute appearances all season, with just four in the league, and not since facing Pompey in early December.

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has made contact with O'Neill but has not firmed up an enquiry made last week.

"Portsmouth have not come in for Patrik Berger - Patrik Berger has come in for Patrik Berger," said O'Neill of the agent's role in the possible move back to Fratton Park.

"Portsmouth have still got to make contact with me about wanting to take him officially."

O'Neill says he is in no rush to allow a sale: "Patrik can't go anywhere at the moment because he's injured," he said.

O'Neill has been unable so far to bring in the players he wants at the right price, adding: "It's a particularly difficult market out there because everyone is chasing the same people."