Caolan Lavery still no-go for Pompey

Many Blues followers would welcome the permanent return of the 23-year-old who made such an impressive loan impact last season.

However, he is not seen as a realistic option and Pompey have long since searched elsewhere for attacking recruits.

In addition, it is understood Lavery has no interest in a move to League Two, where he appeared 13 times for Paul Cook’s side.

Instead he has been linked with switches to Coventry City and Feyenoord as he seeks to depart Hillsborough for regular first-team football.

Also considering Lavery’s financial expectations which accompany such ambitions, there is presently no prospect of a Fratton return.

As a result, Cook has this summer recruited Michael Smith and Curtis Main for undisclosed fees to bolster his striking pool.

In the meantime, Lavery continues to remain in limbo as he attempts to kickstart his playing career.

He has not played a single minute of first-team football since returning to Wednesday at the culmination of his loan in January.

Pompey had to shelve plans to bring him back for the remainder of the season through complications at the Championship club’s end.

Despite now being out of contract, the Owls’ offer of a new deal has ensured they are entitled to receive a fee from English teams.

Due to his age, they must receive a development sum for a player on their books since August 2012.

Failure for any interested party to agree such a fee with Sheffield Wednesday will send the issue to a tribunal.

Back in May, chief executive Mark Catlin ruled out such a move over concerns a tribunal figure could be too high for Pompey.

That stance remains – and with it has ended any final hint of optimism of reuniting the striker with the Blues.

Regardless, supporters continue to hold Lavery in high regard following four goals last season.

His partnership with Marc McNulty – another loan recruit – also impressed during a profitable time for the club.

However, as it stands, Lavery has no interest in a return to the south coast, with sights fixed higher up.

Similarly, Pompey are no longer considering vying with others for the former Northern Ireland under-21 international.