Departure the likely option in Mingi saga

The official line is ‘negotiations are ongoing’ when it comes to a new contract for Jay Mingi.

Where those talks go is a slightly more imponderable scenario, but don’t be surprised if it concludes with the promising midfielder plying his trade away from Pompey next season.

Mingi is set to become a free agent at the end of next month, with his existing twoyear agreement at a close.

A new improved threeyear deal has been on the table since December, with the player’s representative suggesting the Londoner was weighing up his situation after not playing a minute of competitive football under John Mousinho.

What we do know is the 22-year-old’s existing deal places him right at the back of the pack, when it comes to Pompey’s wage structure.

We also saw last term that Mingi undoubtedly possesses the raw attributes and talent to be a force of nature at League One level.

The criticism, as acknowledged by the player himself, is not being able to extend those exciting periods into a complete 90-minute performance.

Mingi’s agent stated a return to the south London club he emerged at was an option in January, with Championship sides monitoring his situation.

All the noise can create an impression of someone who is difficult to deal with. It is anything but the case, however.

While you could never be definitive, Mingi doesn’t exactly look central to Mousinho’s plans at this stage.

The contract offer which we hear talks are continuing over is a must, if Pompey are to be eligible for the training compensation they are entitled to in the event of Mingi heading elsewhere.

As things stand, that appears the most likely outcome.