Cowley rules out free agent option

DANNY COWLEY has ruled out raiding the free agent market to bolster his Pompey squad.

Despite 14 new additions, the Blues head coach was unable to bring in the centre-forward he craved on deadline day.

Furthermore, there remain questions over the central defensive area in terms of back-up to Clark Robertson and Sean Raggett.

At present, the versatile Connor Ogilvie and injuryaffected Paul Down offer the sole cover to the first-team pairing.

The transfer window may have ended earlier this week, yet free agents can still be signed, with ongoing triallist Jay Mingi still on Cowley’s radar.

But he has ruled out any other moves to bolster his squad.

He told The News: ‘There is nothing left in the budget, so they’ll be no free agents.

‘We are where we are. We’re coming out of a pandemic, we’ve bought the training ground and spent all that money on Fratton Park.

‘There are some good players there, but are they fit? Are they ready?

‘Then you try to accelerate the process because we are waiting for them, and all of a sudden, it’s November – and the January window is nearly open.

‘Pre-season is important for any player and our lads have been through that, either here or at other clubs.’

In the case of Mingi, the former Charlton man is continuing rehab after collecting an injury during pre-season training with the Blues.

At the time, Cowley had been keen to sign the 20-year-old, before loaning him out for firstteam experience.

Although Pompey’s interest remains, Mingi must first come through his rehabilitation and establish himself as available for duty.

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