Contrary to reports earlier in the day which linked Bolton Wanderers’ Josh Dacres-Cogley to Portsmouth, The News have now revealed that Pompey are not pursuing a move for the defender.
After a highly successful season at a personal level for Dacres-Cogley, which saw him make the League One Team of the Season alongside fellow Trotter Josh Sheehan, questions have emerged regarding his future.
The right-back was ever-present in Bolton’s backline last season, making 44 appearances during the regular season, as well as starting all three of the club’s play-off matches. He’d provide an important assist to Aaron Collins’ blinding equaliser in the second leg of their semi-final against Barnsley and despite losing that match, they’d win on aggregate.
However, they were unable to surpass an outstanding Oxford United in the play-off final, and will once again be playing in the third tier next term. After finishing third, and for the majority of the season being in with an obvious automatic promotion chance, Ian Evatt may find it hard to keep ahold of some of his key players this summer.
It had been revealed earlier in the day that Portsmouth, who gained promotion to the Championship after winning the League One title, were eyeing a move for Dacres-Cogley.
This afternoon, a fresh update emerged, with The News playing down the rumours, stating that Pompey were not pursuing a move for the wing-back. With Bolton manager Ian Evatt previously revealing that the defender would move on if the price was right this summer, it is thought that the £500,000 fee that was wanted by the Trotters was also out of Pompey’s reach.
Although the now-Championship side may be looking elsewhere for a new option in the position, Dacres-Cogley could still be on the move this summer. If the club are to get the quoted fee, then it would represent a great deal of business having signed him on a free transfer from Tranmere Rovers the season prior.
Writer’s View
Dacres-Cogley was one of the signings of last season and having gained his services on a free transfer, it was a move which worked out very well for both the club as well as the player. The wing-back could however make a further step-up and after a very strong year last term, there’s no reason as to why he can’t further progress if he was to get a move to the Championship.
He’s very much a player who continues to get better with age and he may not have reached his ceiling just yet despite now being 28. His age may however be the factor which has put Portsmouth off, alongside the £500,000 fee that Bolton are asking for.
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