James never thought of leaving Fratton Park

Portsmouth boss Paul Hart is delighted goalkeeper David James remains a Portsmouth player and claims the keeper never wanted a move.

The England international was strongly linked with a switch to Tottenham over the summer, with White Hart Lane chief and former Pompey boss Harry Redknapp known to be an admirer of his talents.

Speculation intensified as deadline day approached, with Spurs expected to make their move before the window slammed shut.

However, Tuesday came and went with no offer on the table and James remains at Fratton Park.

Having been forced to part with a number of key men in recent times, due to much-publicised financial difficulties, the experienced keeper’s continued presence on the South Coast has come as welcome relief to Hart.

“He’s the best goalkeeper in England and to have him here for the rest of the year, the rest of the season, is a massive boost for us,” he told Sky Sports News.

Some reports had suggested that James, along with his representatives, were keen to engineer a summer switch, but Hart claims that was never the case.

“I’ve had no conversations at all with David, persuading him to stay, because I’ve never had to,” he added.

“He’s never asked to move, so as far as that’s concerned it wasn’t necessary.”