How Blues’ starting line-up could look if rumours are correct
The summer transfer window is still a month away – but that hasn’t stopped speculation regarding Pompey’s potential business over the close season.
So what would this newlook Blues side look like if current rumours were true and, as expected, the majority of Pompey’s out-of-contract players were allowed to leave?
Well, here’s our guess at what John Mousinho’s strongest line-up would be in a 4-23-1 formation.
Goalkeeper – Matt Macey
Pompey have made no secret of their desire to turn the Luton man’s Fratton Park loan into a permanent deal.
The Blues have lost just three times with the giant stopper between the sticks, while his 21 games for the club have resulted in 10 clean sheets.
It's a deal Mousinho wants done, but Luton need to be willing to part company with Macey and the asking price has to be affordable – as do Macey’s wage demands.
Right-back – Joe Rafferty
Mousinho has admitted the right-back berth is the only position he doesn’t need to strengthen this summer – and that’s primarily because of Rafferty’s presence.
He’s proven to be an astute piece of business by the Blues and would probably have given newly-crowned player of the season Colby Bishop a run for his money had he not picked up an injury last September that kept him out for six months.
Centre-back – Di’Shon Bernard
The Manchester United centre-back has impressed hugely since being handed starts in each of Pompey’s final four games of the season.
So much so that many are correctly asking: ‘Why did it take so long?’
A permanent move for Bernard would go down well with the Fratton faithful.
However, United have an option on the 22-year-old, while his recent form for Pompey will no doubt attract Championship admirers.
Centre-back – Ryley Towler
The chances are Pompey will be looking for a second centre-back, with Clark Robertson set to depart.
That will increase competition for places that already includes Sean Raggett. But with Towler a firm favourite with the fans, he would get the nod at this moment in time.
Left-back – Connor Ogilvie
The left-back is out of contract this summer, with no word yet on a new deal being struck.
However, The News understands the 27-year-old will be retained and that should go down well, with the former Spurs youngster considered one of the Blues’ most reliable performers.
Central midfield – Marlon Pack
The midfielder recorded five goals and four assists from his 32 league appearances this season.
There have been a few moments of concern, with two red cards and a knee injury making him unavailable at times.
But Pack is such a steady influence and will likely be named club captain ahead of the new campaign.
Central midfield – Joe Morrell
There are concerns that Morrell might attract interest this summer, while the player himself has admitted he’d like to play at a higher level.
However, there’s been no interest reported to date, which means Morrell starts in this new-look side.
Rightwing–GavinWhyte
Mousinho has confessed he’s a huge admirer of his former Oxford team-mate, who looks set to leave Cardiff on a free transfer this summer.
The Northern Ireland international would prove a good signing, with his pace, directness and experience standing Pompey in good stead.
There’s hope a deal can be done, but the Blues won’t be the only ones keen on the wide man.
Attacking midfield – Tommy Leigh
Pompey have reportedly sounded out Accrington about the possibility of bringing the Portsmouth-born forward back to Fratton Park.
A fee of £200,000 has apparently been mentioned – but it’s a case of wait and see to determine whether the Blues believe that is value for money.
Leigh ended the season with seven goals and two assists from his 39 league appearances with relegated Accy.
There’s interest from other League One clubs and the Championship.
Left wing – Paddy Lane
The January signing scored his first goal for the club in the final-day 2-2 draw with Wycombe.
It’s fair to say that the former Fleetwood man has taken his time to adjust to life at Fratton Park.
But with a full pre-season behind him, many believe Lane will be a completely different player at the start of next term.
Striker – Sam Smith
A Bishop exit won’t go down well with the Fratton faithful this summer. So recently-linked Cambridge frontman Smith would have huge boots to fill if the rumours were to prove correct.
The striker’s likely to be available on a free transfer, and with 28 goals over the past two seasons for the U’s, he’d come with a reputation of knowing where the back of the net is.
He’d no doubt be a decent signing, but the hope is he’ll come to provide competition for Bishop rather than be his replacement.