Storrie: Pennant can have long-term Pompey future
Peter Storrie has told new loan signing Jermaine Pennant: You can have a long-term Pompey future.
The executive chairman has already kick-started Pompey's January recruitment drive with the capture of the Liverpool winger until the end of the season.
He is now set to step up the search for further additions, with the chances of Gary O'Neil returning to Fratton Park receiving a huge boost after Middlesbrough agreed a 2m fee for midfielder Ben Watson.
But aside from chasing the current list of targets, Storrie also has one eye on the summer window and has both Pennant and Patrick Vieira on the radar for permanent deals.
Pennant could earn himself a full transfer if he impresses and is tempted to stay, while Inter Milan's Vieira could again be a target if he recovers from the Achilles problem that has kept him out since November.
Storrie said: 'It's always a possibility Jermaine could become a permanent signing. We will look at that at the end of the season.
'If Jermaine enjoys it down here and thinks it could benefit his career to stay, then we will look at that in due course.
'It's good for both parties to have a look at each other and we will see how we go.
'Patrick is someone we would be very keen to bring here, but he's injured at the moment.
'But if Vieira was fully fit then we would be idiots not to think about it again in the summer.'
With a central midfielder now the biggest priority, Pompey's hopes of resurrecting a deal for O'Neil have been boosted after Boro closed in on Watson from Crystal Palace.
The News understands the Teessiders would be more open to offers for the 26-year-old now they have lined up a replacement.
Storrie was believed to be in Turin earlier this week negotiating a deal for Juventus midfielder Christian Poulsen, while a move for Brazilian Edu could yet transpire.
But Storrie is working hard on several deals and is hopeful Pompey could have another new recruit in place in time for Saturday's FA Cup encounter with Swansea.
He said: 'We're looking to bring in at least two more players in January, but it's a difficult window.
'Not too many clubs are doing deals at the moment.
'Jermaine is the second one to come in now after Nadir (Belhadj) and we're working very hard on a couple more.
'We're working on a few and we're hoping they will all come off.
'We're hopeful we may get one or two in the next few days. It's a frustrating time, but that's the transfer market I'm afraid.'
Although Storrie has experienced frustration with some of the club's targets, he insists Pennant was always keen to join Pompey.
He said: 'There was never an issue getting him to the club – he certainly didn't need any convincing.
'He was very keen to come and very pleased to join because Tony had been chasing him for quite a while.
'I'm sure Jermaine Pennant will be a good signing for us. He's got flair, ability and pace.'
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Weather for Portsmouth
Thursday 23 February 2012
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