Portsmouth have joined the race for former Bristol Rovers captain Tom Lockyer, as reported by Portsmouth.co.uk.
The 24-year-old has recently been released by Graham Coughlan, although he wasn’t going to sign a new deal after eight years with the club. He’s keen to move on to a new challenge, with Nottingham Forest the seemingly nailed-on destination of choice.
It’s emerged this afternoon that Kenny Jackett may look to take the former Gas captain to Fratton Park, with Matt Clarke expected to leave following their failure to achieve promotion through the play-offs.
Lockyer has been with Rovers since youth football and has recently found himself called up to play for Wales. His form has certainly been eye-catching, but he decided his future didn’t lie in Bristol, stating that he should have left a couple of years ago.
It’s reported that Pompey are hoping to get around the fact they’re in the same division as Rovers by using the influence of Lee Brown, Lockyer’s former Gas teammate, to convince him to make the switch.
Our View
This would be a huge coup for Pompey if they pull it off, but we can’t see it happening.
Why would he choose to stay in the same division as he’s already in?
Also, would Pompey really be able to outspend Nottingham Forest?
They might be interested but when it comes to sealing the deal they’re going to have their work cut out beating an established Championship club.
