Merson takes swipe at Pompey

Paul Merson's frustration with Portsmouth haggling over his proposed move to Walsall boiled over yesterday as he accused the club of letting him down financially.

Merson believes Pompey should pay their dues for the major part he played in their promotion to the Premiership, worth at least £20million, and help ease his departure with a year left on his contract.

Merson, 35, who has seen Teddy Sheringham and Patrik Berger arrive at Portsmouth, said: 'I am disappointed. I took a massive pay cut to come here last season. Now I see players coming in on big money to replace me.

'I have spoken to Walsall but they have not got any money, so it is up to Portsmouth if they want to do a deal.' It is believed boss Harry Redknapp is sympathetic to Merson, grateful for the part he played in the promotion effort, and will back his bid to leave for Walsall with a suitable pay-off package.

Dejan Stefanovic's £1.85m move to Pompey is in danger of collapse after the Home Office rejected his application for a work permit.

Stefanovic, 28, formerly with Sheffield Wednesday, moved from Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem last month, but the Serbia and Montenegro defender's return to England has been thrown into doubt as he has not played enough internationals to qualify for a work permit.