Blues stars are right to take time

Danny Cowley believes Pompey’s wanted out-of-contract players are right to bide their time over deciding their futures.

The Blues are celebrating agreeing terms with Sean Raggett, as they announced a new two-year deal for the current News/Sports Mail Player of the Season on Friday.

Raggett reached an agreement with the club he joined in 2019, in what represent the first serious piece of summer business for Danny Cowley.

Talks are still continuing over new deals with Reeco Hackett, Michael Jacobs and Aiden O’Brien, however.

The News understands Hackett is now close to sealing new terms.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for Jacobs and O’Brien, though.

A performance-related contract has been tabled to Jacobs, with the winger showing fine form over the second half of the season but also having injury issues in his time at Fratton Park.

There are interested parties in the 30-year-old, however, including League 2 Northampton - the club Jacobs came through the ranks at.

Pompey have also tabled an offer for O’Brien, after an outstanding period since arriving from Sunderland in January which included five goals.

There’s currently no sign of a conclusion to talks, however, with fans clamouring for the 28-year-old’s signature.

Cowley is keen to see more business completed on these players, but is also respectful of the fact they have to see what options are at their disposal.

He said: ‘As soon as the season ends the player has the prerogative of going to look at other options.

‘This won’t just be happening at Portsmouth, this will be happening at clubs across the country.’