Portsmouth boss: Contractual issues unaffected by league uncertainty

That is the verdict of Kenny Jackett, with five first-team squad members having deals which expire next summer.

They include Jack Whatmough, Gareth Evans, Nathan Thompson, Dion Donohue and Danny Rose.

Pompey have revealed no contract talks are planned until after Christmas, with the focus on building upon the excellent start to the season.

The League One table-toppers, of course, are presently uncertain where they will play their football next season.

But Jackett is adamant that scenario does not affect contract issues.

Pompey's boss said: '˜You can plan for both. Your good players are your good players and you'd want them in either division.

'˜If you suddenly went up then you would have a bit more money to spend than if you didn't.

'˜Similarly, you are looking to try to take the best players around you. If you are a Championship club you are much more attractive anyway so there's a slightly better market.

'˜So when people say: 'Well, we don't quite know which pool you are shopping in' I don't particularly agree with that. If you go up a level you are a better and more attractive proposition, which gives you more options.

'˜There are a certain amount of players that would be able to command a Championship club and wouldn't want to go to League One just yet. If you go up, you become more attractive to those people.

'˜It opens up more possibilities but, as ever, your judgement has to be right and you have to be first there.'