Pompey hopeful of Ben Davies deal

Paul Cook is hopeful Ben Davies will agree a new Pompey deal.
Ben Davies. Picture: Joe PeplerBen Davies. Picture: Joe Pepler
Ben Davies. Picture: Joe Pepler

The veteran right-back has been an outstanding presence for the Blues following his summer arrival.

His form has prompted the club to offer an extension beyond the scheduled summer 2016 expiry of his current Pompey deal.

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Talks are continuing as Cook seeks to ensure the 34-year-old follows Michael Doyle in staying at Fratton Park beyond this season.

Last month Davies told The News of his intention to remain with the Blues.

And negotiations are continuing with a player Cook believes richly deserves longer at Pompey.

The Blues boss said: ‘Ben is still discussing things with us.

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‘If he can come to an agreement we would be dead happy to give Ben a new contract.

‘I like to keep things like that between Ben and the club, when you have got lads playing like that rewarding them is a simple thing for me.

‘Except it’s not a reward – it is only what they deserve.

‘I don’t like the madness at the end of the season with contracts and players.

‘As a club we want to get better so should be looking to try to maybe sign one or two lads up and move some out.

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‘Getting better as a club is a process of strengthening your squad, your recruitment.

‘And it would be great to get Ben sorted out well before then.’

This month Matt Clarke and Marc McNulty have extended their loan spells with the Blues

Cook is also hopeful of retaining Caolan Lavery until the end of the campaign with his loan expiring imminently.

Jayden Stockley has, however, departed and since joined League Two rivals Exeter on loan from Bournemouth until the season’s end.