Pompey will let Johnson leave if the price is right

POMPEY are prepared to listen to offers for Callum Johnson before the close of the transfer window.

The News understands the Blues would not stand in the right-back’s way, should a club make a move for his services before August 31.

Johnson, below, has been out of the picture in the past two games, as he serves a three-game ban for a controversial red card in Carabao Cup loss at Millwall.

His only league action so far this term arrived as a late sub in the openingday win at Fleetwood Town.

Kieron Freeman has established himself as Cowley’s firstchoice, since his summer arrival after leaving Championship Swansea City.

Johnson has a year to run on his existing agreement, with Pompey holding an option to extend that stay by a further 12 months.

The 24-year-old has shown himself to be a dependable option since arriving from Accrington Stanley last summer.

The former Middlesbrough trainee was among Pompey’s most consistent performers amid 46 outings in the 2020-21 campaign.

That was recognised as he finished third in the The News/Sports Mail Player of the Season vote, behind Ryan Williams and Craig MacGillivray.

Johnson perhaps lacks the forward-thinking attributes to be a natural fit in Cowley’s game idea, however.

The Pompey boss is also in the market for a right-sided defender who can operate centrally.

Cowley missed out on TJ Eyoma this week as the Spurs man moved to League One rivals Lincoln City.