Nigeria captain Nwankwo Kanu has been offered a new contract by his financially striken club Portsmouth.

The FA Cup runners-up, who have been relegated from the English Premier League and are tens of millions of pounds in debt, say they want to retain a "firm base" for the future.

England star David James is among those who have also been offered a new deal.

But Aruna Dindane and Hassan Yebda will return to their previous clubs after the expiry of their loan deals.

"The football club can confirm it has offered new contracts to influential first-team FA Cup heroes David James, Kanu, Hermann Hreidarsson and Ricardo Rocha," a Portsmouth statement said.

"It's hoped the popular quartet will bring a wealth of experience and strength to the Blues' side as they seek to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking."

Kanu has made more than 120 appearances for Pompey, including coming on as a substitute in the FA Cup final defeat by Chelsea.

The 33-year-old is preparing to lead Nigeria at the forthcoming World Cup in South Africa.

Ivory Coast's Dindane will return to his French club Lens, whilst Hassan Yebda of Algeria is to go back to Benfica of Portugal.

http://gistboard.com/content/relegated-portsmouth-offer-nigerias-kanu-new-deal

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