Catlin hopeful of contract agreement with Pompey pair

And negotiations are continuing with both the players’ representatives.

Paul Cook wants the experienced pair to stay at Fratton Park – in turn, they are also keen to remain.

Davies believes he warrants a wage increase following an outstanding personal campaign.

While in Hollands’ case, the club are seeking to reduce the level of the deal he signed two years ago.

Pompey chief executive Catlin said: ‘We’ve spoken to representatives of both players and talks are ongoing.

‘I am hopeful they will stay. Danny and Ben are good lads and good players, it’s just about sitting down and getting a deal agreed.

‘It is about trying to reach some common ground on contract negotiations.

‘That can possibly be reached, but until contracts are signed you never know.

‘Paul (Cook) has a budget and that budget has to be spread around. If you put too much in one area or into one player then it has an adverse effect on the rest of the team.

‘Paul has told us what he thinks we should go to and that is what we will do.

‘However, it is not fair on the players or the club to discuss ongoing contract negotiations.

‘There’s no timeframe. If Danny and Ben want to get it done with us then great.

‘If they are speaking to other clubs you would expect that as well.

‘They are effectively now free agents and players generally tend to be quite insecure, as you would expect.

‘Paul says he wants them to stay, so we back him. I know Ben and Danny would like to stay as well.

‘Communication is ongoing.’