Portsmouth News

O’BRIEN OFFERED FRESH TERMS

- Mark McMahon mark.mcmahon@thenews.co.uk

POMPEY have offered Aiden O’Brien a deal to retain his services.

The Blues have tabled the Irishman fresh terms, with the forward’s existing Fratton Park contract set to expire.

However, head coach Danny Cowley is wary the former Sunderland man could get better offers elsewhere following an impressive second half of the season on the south coast.

O’Brien joined Pompey on a short-term deal in January and scored with his Fratton Park first touch against Doncaster.

The forward quickly establishe­d himself as a firm fans’ favourite as he netted five goals in his 17 appearance­s for his new side.

Upon the season’s conclusion, O’Brien stressed his desire to remain with the Blues.

Cowley also reiterated his intention to keep the onetime Millwall front man – despite the player later claiming that talks had yet to take place.

With the Blues having 12 players out of contract, they have already shown their hand by activating the options they had on Marcus Harness, Louis Thompson, Jay Mingi and Jayden Reid.

Offers have also been made to Michael Jacobs, Sean Raggett and Reeco Hackett.

Now O’Brien has been added to the list of players the Blues want to keep. That offer sits within the working parameters of Pompey’s budget.

And with that in mind, Cowley is mindful that the player could easily be lured elsewhere, with other clubs also actively chasing the 28-year-old.

The Blues’ boss said: ‘He (O’Brien) made an instant impact, with the players, staff and supporters.

‘Sometimes players are a good fit and Aiden fits towards that.

‘We made him an offer but we’re also respectful that he did well.

‘As a consequenc­e he has other offers to consider.

‘For us, unfortunat­ely, we can only value them within the finances that we have available. That’s the reality.’

Pompey currently have no senior strikers on their books.

The final day of the season saw loanees George Hirst and Tyler Walker return to their parent clubs. Meanwhile, O’Brien is a free agent as he ponders his next month.

 ?? ?? Aiden O’Brien made a big impact after joining Pompey from Sunderland at the end of January
Aiden O’Brien made a big impact after joining Pompey from Sunderland at the end of January
 ?? ?? Pompey head coach Danny Cowley is keen to retain Aiden O’Brien
Pompey head coach Danny Cowley is keen to retain Aiden O’Brien

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