Boss keeps cards close to his chest over Boyle

DANNY COWLEY is remaining tight-lipped over Pompey’s interest in Cheltenham captain Will Boyle.

It comes after reports surfaced linking the Blues to the central defender as their transfer hunt intensifies.

The Fratton Park boss admitted the 26-year-old is a player he’s certainly aware of as he looks to bolster his options next month.

But he refused to be drawn further on his interest in the former Huddersfield and Kilmarnock player, citing respect for Cheltenham and their manager Michael Duff.

With Pompey actively pursuing a new centre-back as the January transfer window approaches, Boyle ticks a number of boxes.

The Robins skipper’s contract expires at the end of the season – which opens the door for a cut-price deal to be struck in January or a free transfer to be agreed in the summer.

Meanwhile, Boyle’s ability to play out from the back and his aerial prowess are factors which will entice Cowley as he looks to add defensive reinforcements following injuries to key personnel in that department this term.

When asked by The News about Boyle, Cowley said: ‘Yeah, Will is a player that we’re very aware of.

‘He had a fantastic season last year and did very well at the beginning of this year.

‘He’s a Cheltenham player, and I have a lot of respect for Cheltenham and Michael Duff and what they’ve achieved at that football club.’

Boyle was a member of the Robins squad that topped League Two last season.

The defender continued his tremendous form into this campaign, being an integral part of the side that lost only two of their opening eight third-tier games.

But since then he’s only appeared once due to injury.