Portsmouth's administrator Trevor Birch has confirmed former owner Balram Chainrai is one of two parties interested in taking over the League One club. Chainrai's representatives have previously said he would not stand by and see the club liquidated, while the Hong Kong-based businessman recently told administrators to turn to him only as a "last resort".

"We are in discussions with two interested parties, one of which is Balram Chainrai," Birch told The News.

"Chainrai's representatives publicly stated at the creditors' meeting that they would not allow the club to be liquidated and we have since met with them to gauge their interest.

"There is no solid bid on the table from either party at present but we are trying to find an appropriate deal structure that works within the timeframe. We are also talking to our contacts in the market to encourage any other potential bidders to come forward immediately."

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