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Fifth Portsmouth takeover close - Storrie

Peter Storrie has been fighting to save Portsmouth © Getty Images

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Peter Storrie has told ESPNsoccernet that he anticipates Portsmouth will be saved from going bust as he believes that the fifth takeover of the season is now likely to be confirmed within the next 48 hours.

An Irish/American consortium are contesting the takeover with a European bidder as Storrie claims the club could be saved just days before their next appointment in the High Court to face a winding up order on March 1.

Storrie told Soccernet: "The encouraging aspect of the possible takeover is that both sets of lawyers are currently talking. I would anticipate that something is likely to be agreed within the next 48 hours to enter the next stage of finalising the terms and conditions of a takeover.

"Confidentiality clauses have been signed so it would be improper for me to discuss the identity of a new owner, but I can say that whoever takes over next will be someone of substance."

Storrie has claimed for the past two weeks that he has been deep in talks with prospective new owners, and that since the High Court winding up order was adjourned for a week, he has received other tentative enquiries.

"I received an email and a phone call. I don't know how serious they might be but they have come out of the blue,'' he said. ''There has been a great deal of misinformation in the media of late, for example it was suggested before our FA Cup tie against Southampton that it could be our last game. The fact is that although the winding up order by the Revenue was put back seven days, the earliest date we have been given to reappear in court is March 1, so we have another two games before then. That date could be put back, as it is only a provisional date.

"The statement of affairs is being presented to the courts on Wednesday, when we shall have a much better idea of proceedings, and also a much better idea about the prospective takeover."

The Revenue have hit the club with a new £4.7 million bill, but won't accept the payment until Pompey settle a £7.4 million VAT dispute.

Storrie said: "The Revenue want £4.7 million for the last two months PAYE. We have told them that we would willingly pay them that right now, but they are refusing, unless we also pay them the £7 million plus VAT. The problem here is that we are in dispute over the £7 million VAT. Our lawyers have told us that to appeal it could take six to 12 months."

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