Portsmouth have no interest in signing Exeter City‘s Reece Cole this summer, whilst a move for midfielder Marc Leonard is unlikely, according to The News, Portsmouth.
After winning the League One title, Pompey are expected to have a big summer as they look to cement their place in the Championship. They have been the division’s standout team for the majority of the season and were crowned champions with a dramatic 3-2 win over Barnsley last week.
Whilst an overhaul looks unlikely, a number of new additions will be targeted to add fresh faces to the squad. Manager John Mousinho will first deal with what is already at his disposal, with a host of first team members due to see their contracts expire at the end of the campaign.
These include the likes of Marlon Pack, Joe Morrell, Sean Raggett, Joe Rafferty and Connor Ogilvie, with a decision set to be made on their futures next week.
With second tier status confirmed, it is no surprise to see the Hampshire-based side linked with numerous players up and down the country. They were named as a potential interested party last week for Exeter’s Reece Cole alongside Preston North End and Bolton Wanderers.
The midfielder has enjoyed a stellar campaign with the Grecians, catching the eye with seven goals and three assists in 38 league outings. He only made the step up to League One last summer from Hayes & Yeading United, although there could be a few clubs lining up for his services this summer. Portsmouth won’t be one of them though, with The News claiming the 26-year-old is not on their radar.
Pompey have also been accredited with potential interest in Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Marc Leonard, who has shined during his two separate loan spells with Northampton Town. News emerged yesterday that the Seagulls were willing to sanction his exit should they receive a bid of £300,000, with Cardiff City, Preston and Plymouth Argyle named as potential destinations.
Portsmouth’s link comes from earlier this year, but it is claimed that they may be unwilling to take a risk on a player who has never played in the Championship and may not be ready to make the step up at this stage of his career.
Mousinho’s team will be hoping to sign off their season in style when they travel to the LNER Stadium to take on Lincoln City on Saturday.
Writer’s View
No disrespect to the players mentioned, but Portsmouth will be hoping to sign players who have proven pedigree in the second tier. Leonard in particular looks like he could be someone who could progress through the leagues but a move to Fratton Park does not appear to be an option.
Pompey will not just want to make up the numbers next season and will be looking to Ipswich Town for inspiration of what can be achieved if they get the recruitment right. The Premier League remains the goal, a division in which they have not occupied since 2010. Expect them to look at raiding other clubs within the Championship whilst exploring loans from the top tier.
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