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Pompey refuse Lens' offer for Dindane to play in final

Aruna Dindane has been a key player for Portsmouth this season © Getty Images

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• News: Lens will let Dindane play in FA Cup final for £2 million
  

Portsmouth have refused an offer from Lens that would have allowed on-loan striker Aruna Dindane to feature in the FA Cup final.

Dindane, currently on loan at Portsmouth from the French club, has a clause in his loan agreement stating that the Premier League club must pay £4 million if he plays another game. Lens have offered to miss out on this payment, as they believe that playing in the showpiece event would boost their chances of selling him in the summer.

However, they have requested that Dindane does not play in any of the league fixtures between now and the end of the season - an offer that Portsmouth have rejected.

The striker has been one of the most important players at Fratton Park this season, but Pompey want him to be match-fit if he is to play in the final and are willing to let him miss out on the game in a bid to strengthen their position over the player.

''The club [Lens] have now agreed to let him play in the final, because they think it would be a good showpiece platform for him to get a move,'' Pompey administrator Andrew Andronikou told Soccernet. ''But Portsmouth's feeling is that he needs to play in the other games leading up to the final and he needs to be totally match-fit to play against Chelsea. I have made a last ditch attempt to find some rational ground between us.

''We told Lens that this is our stance today, and basically it is a 'take-it-or-leave-it' offer from us. We will see what happens over the weekend, but I have so much to do and many more issues to look after that I can't afford much more time on this one.

''We will see what happens and we really hope that Dindane can play in the final. He deserves to, and he was one our best players in the semi-final, but I've got to say that his chances are decreasing.''

Dindane, himself, has talked of his desire to play in the final, telling the Daily Star: "I grew up in France watching the FA Cup final and to have the chance to play in one is a dream come true. I only hope that dream will not be taken away."

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