Portsmouth have accepted a substantial bid from Spanish side Real Madrid for midfielder Lassana Diarra.
The 23-year-old France international joined Pompey from Arsenal in January this year and has now been given permission to speak to Madrid.
"We have always said that we would only allow our players to leave if we received an exceptional bid," a Pompey spokesman told the club's website.
Manchester City were also thought to be interested in signing the player.
City were understood to be prepared to offer in the region of £20m but Diarra hinted earlier this week in Spanish newspaper Marca that he wanted to move to Real.
"When you talk about Real Madrid the other teams are no longer important, all the others take second place," said Diarra.
"It would be a dream to be able to play for such a large club."
Diarra started his career with French side Le Havre before signing for Chelsea in 2005. He moved to the Gunners on the final day of the August 2007 transfer window but left for Pompey five months later.
"We could not stand in the way of a move such as this for Lassana," continued the Portsmouth statement.
"It shows how far the club has come under the ownership of Alexandre Gayadamak when Real Madrid come in for one of our players.
"Should the deal be completed, we have already identified possible replacements."
Diarra has not played for Pompey since 15 November but is close to a return following an ankle injury.
If he passes a medical and agrees personal terms, he will be able to sign for Real when the transfer window re-opens on 1 January.
The nine-time European champions are coached by former Tottenham boss Juande Ramos and want a defensive midfielder because Mali international Mahamadou Diarra is sidelined for the season after undergoing knee surgery.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/portsmouth/7787323.stm
The 23-year-old France international joined Pompey from Arsenal in January this year and has now been given permission to speak to Madrid.
"We have always said that we would only allow our players to leave if we received an exceptional bid," a Pompey spokesman told the club's website.
Manchester City were also thought to be interested in signing the player.
City were understood to be prepared to offer in the region of £20m but Diarra hinted earlier this week in Spanish newspaper Marca that he wanted to move to Real.
"When you talk about Real Madrid the other teams are no longer important, all the others take second place," said Diarra.
"It would be a dream to be able to play for such a large club."
Diarra started his career with French side Le Havre before signing for Chelsea in 2005. He moved to the Gunners on the final day of the August 2007 transfer window but left for Pompey five months later.
"We could not stand in the way of a move such as this for Lassana," continued the Portsmouth statement.
"It shows how far the club has come under the ownership of Alexandre Gayadamak when Real Madrid come in for one of our players.
"Should the deal be completed, we have already identified possible replacements."
Diarra has not played for Pompey since 15 November but is close to a return following an ankle injury.
If he passes a medical and agrees personal terms, he will be able to sign for Real when the transfer window re-opens on 1 January.
The nine-time European champions are coached by former Tottenham boss Juande Ramos and want a defensive midfielder because Mali international Mahamadou Diarra is sidelined for the season after undergoing knee surgery.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/portsmouth/7787323.stm
