Kenny Jackett on whether Ben Close could depart Portsmouth if new midfielder is recruited

Kenny Jackett won't contemplate Ben Close departing on deadline day – even if a new midfielder is recruited.
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Close has found himself down the pecking order at Fratton Park this season, despite being a regular starter the previous campaign.

So far, the academy graduate has made just one substitute appearance in League One and a further outing in the EFL Trophy.

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Tom Naylor and Bryn Morris have been Jackett’s preferred pairing in the middle of the park to date, while Andy Cannon’s played nine matches – mostly as a substitute.

Ben Thompson remains Pompey’s number-one target before the transfer window closes at 5pm today, although hopes of the Millwall ace being prised back to PO4 have all but been dashed.

An alternative midfielder still could be signed, though, which may limit Close's chances of game-time further.

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However, Jackett insisted he does not want the Southsea lad to leave.

Ben Close. Picture: Nigel KeeneBen Close. Picture: Nigel Keene
Ben Close. Picture: Nigel Keene

Close has been told he isn’t far away from a starting spot – and that will remain the case even if a fresh face arrives.

Jackett said: ‘Ben has trained very well and had a good game against Southend.

‘He is pushing for a start, definitely. So far, I've gone with Tom Naylor and Bryn Morris and tried to let those settle as a pair, but Ben and Andy Cannon are both pushing for midfield slots.

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‘I don't think so (Close would be allowed to leave). Ben is training well and is unlucky not to be in the side.

‘You can only pick 11 players. For him, he is definitely capable of getting in and keeping his place.

‘Whether we sign a midfield player or not, he is capable of that.’

Pompey will allow fringe-pair Paul Downing or James Bolton to leave if there is sufficient interest.

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Downing hasn’t made a league appearance for more than a year, despite signing a three-year deal when arriving from Blackburn in June 2019.

Bolton has been left out of the past four match-day squads and hasn’t even been required to serve as 19th man of late. Instead, youngster Haji Mnoga has taken on that role.

Meanwhile, Cannon is likely becoming frustrated with his lack of minutes. He's only made a solitary start in the third tier.