Portsmouth manager Tony Adams has warned the FA Cup holders owner Alexandre Gaydamak he will quit Fratton Park if Jermain Defoe or any other top players are sold without his approval.
Adams, who succeeded Harry Redknapp three weeks ago, was responding to speculation that cash-strapped Pompey would be forced to offload several big names in the January transfer window.
The former Arsenal and England defender is determined to keep hold of his prize assets and admitted he would walk away if Gaydamak sells players behind his back.
“Jermain's a threat and I'm sure there will be some big clubs trying to get him but hands off because he's mine,” Adams said.
“The owner has been very supportive and although I've not made an issue of it I've told him that everyone stays who I want to stay or I don't do the job.
“I told him that at the very start. He was very supportive of Harry and now he's being very supportive of me.
“He phones me on the way home and says 'what do you want, Tony, how can I help you and I say keep Defoe where he is and there's no problem. He says fine, anything else?' He's totally behind me.”
