Portsmouth’s Lauren claims that himself, Jermain Defoe
and Glen Johnson will all leave the club during the January
transfer window, with the striker returning to
Tottenham.
Defoe has been strongly linked to his old club Spurs,
but Lauren has hinted that the England international has
already agreed to move back to White Hart Lane, even though a deal
cannot be done within a year of his sale to Fratton Park.
The quicksilver England forward signed on the final day of the
2008 winter window so presumably no transfer can be processed
before then due to league rules.
Former Chelsea full back Johnson will also be on the move,
according to Lauren, who says an exodus will
‘dismantle’ Pompey, who are reported to be facing a
serious economic crisis.
Lassana Diarra’s transfer to Real Madrid is in the pipeline
after a fee was agreed and will be followed my more departures
of key players, Lauren has warned.
Lauren told As: “The team is dismantling itself and big sides
are coming. Diarra is not the only one, Defoe as well is returning
to Tottenham, and Glen Johnson is leaving.
“The economic situation is very bad and we are aware of it. Look
at the signings they made two years ago: they bought myself, Sol
Campbell, Defoe, Pedro Mendes, who has moved to Rangers. Well, the
majority of them are going to leave.”
About himself, Lauren said: “I’m leaving in January as well,
going to Turkey or Greece.”
Lauren has compared Lassana Diarra with Claude Makelele, but
described the 23-year-old as an even better player than his fellow
countryman.
He told As: “He reminds me of Makelele a lot for his physique,
for the way he moves on the pitch and for his position, because he
wins lots of balls in midfield.
“The big difference between them is that Lassana Diarra can do
long passes. Besides, he can attack quite well. He’s a very
versatile footballer, as a consequence, Madrid have signed a top
player.”