Varney and Norris keep Leeds waiting

The duo are among five senior players who have remained in the UK, with their team-mates flying out to Malaga this morning.

Varney and Norris were due to play in Pompey’s friendly with Havant and Waterlooville on Saturday, but the game was rained off.

Varney has already spoken to Leeds about a move north, with United also keen on landing Norris, also wanted by Sheffield Wednesday.

United must also fend off rival interest if they want to sign Varney.

Both players are owed money from the cash-stricken south coast club after taking wage deferrals and are in ongoing talks with club adminstrator Trevor Birch, keen to offload all of Pompey’s big-earners to reduce their wage bill.

The trip to Spain has been largely funded by a couple of local businesses who have stepped forward to help out financially stricken Pompey.

Bolton remain favourites to sign Andy Lonergan, although other Championship sides, including Ipswich, are interested.

Cash from the sale of Lonergan is expected to be used to push through a deal for SK Brann midfielder Rodolph Austin, who scored for his club on Sunday. (July 15)

Brann are understood to have already turned down a bid in the region of £200,000 for Austin – out of contract in December and are holding out for a fee closer to £300,000.

United boss Neil Warnock remains in the market to sign Leicester City full-back Lee Peltier.

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