The proposed takeover of Portsmouth Football Club (PFC) by businessman Sulaiman Al Fahim remains on course despite reports to the contrary, according to club officials.

Al Fahim, who was involved in the Abu Dhabi United Group's (ADUG) purchase of Manchester City Football Club (MCFC) last year, said that he is committed to the acquisition of the club from current owner Alexandre Gaydamak "as soon as possible". The businessman has passed the Football Association's (FA) Fit and Proper Persons Test for prospective club owners, while a necessary period of due diligence has also been concluded.

However, the deal is yet to be completed and a leaked email obtained by the Sun from PFC chief executive Peter Storrie revealed that the club has received no new investment since Gaydamak announced his intention to sell last December. In response to the newspaper article, the Premier League club released a statement confirming that scheduled loan repayments has resulted in the need to sell players in the absence of any forthcoming investment.

A PFC spokesperson said: "While it is our intention to add strength to the existing squad, we cannot rule out the possibility of having to sell more players should the takeover not happen. However, we are assured that Sulaiman Al Fahim is committed to buying the club and investing in all areas, including the playing squad. "We know only too well that we need to add to the first-team squad, but at this moment in time, there is a limited amount we can do until the takeover is completed."

In a separate statement, Al Fahim added: "We are in the final stages of the transaction and I will exercise every effort to complete it as soon as possible in the interest of both the club and its supporters."