The move is allowed under Premier League rules protecting clubs that are owed money from player transfers. Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Watford are in line for a share of the payment.
Portsmouth only managed to pay its non-playing staff their December wages yesterday, after securing a short-term bank loan. The players are expected to be paid their December wages this week.
Portsmouth remains under an embargo stopping it from signing any new players. Fans are planning protests against the club's owner, Saudi businessman Ali Al Faraj.
