Bluessettoexplore alternative route to bring midfielder back to Fratton next term
POMPEY are ready to explore the possibility of a renewed loan to get Cameron McGeehan to Fratton Park next season.
The midfielder is a wanted man by Blues boss Kenny Jackett after his loan stay from Championship strugglers Barnsley came to a close.
McGeehan was under the spotlight last week as his missed penalty condemned the Blues to another season in League One, as they lost on penalties to Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium.
That brought his loan stay at Fratton Park to a disappointing close after arriving in January, but there is a desire from both player and club for McGeehan to be wearing a Pompey shirt next season.
The News revealed last Tuesday that Jackett is ready to move to land the 25-year-old and remains a big fan of the former Luton Town talent’s passing quality in the middle of the park.
There are significant obstacles in that path, however, with Pompey, like the rest of the English game, feeling the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
They are looking at a gaping hole in their budget with supporters, at best, likely to be restricted in the numbers who can attend home games for a sizeable part of the 2020-21 campaign.
There is also the massive issue of the onset of a wage cap to factor in, with League One likely to be operating under a £2.5m ceiling in the new campaign.
That could leave a loan move as a viable alternative, with McGeehan having 12 months remaining on his existing deal at Barnsley. It remains to be seen how receptive the Oakwell hierarchy would be to such a move, however, although it appears McGeehan’s days at the club are numbered. The Londoner was out of favour under boss Gerhard Struber, following his arrival last November. – JORDAN CROSS
Cameron McGeehan has a year left on his contract at Barnsley
Christian Burgess’ debut for Royale Union SaintGilloise ended in defeat.
After arriving in Belgium at the end of last week, the former Pompey favourite was handed his bow in Saturday’s friendly against Crossing Schaerbeek.
Crossing emerged 1-0 winners, following a 78th-minute goal.
Burgess was among nine substitutes introduced at half-time for Saint-Gilloise as he was eased into action.