'Last week tends to get busy' - Portsmouth boss' admission on potential outgoings

The Blues could allow Paul Downing or James Bolton to depart before next Friday’s 5pm deadline.

Following the arrival of Rasmus Nicolaisen, Downing's been demoted to fourth-choice centre-back.

The ex-Doncaster defender has not made a League One appearance for more than a year and is firmly out of favour at Fratton Park.

Bolton, meanwhile, has been left out of the past three match-day squads in the league.

Callum Johnson has made the right-back spot his own since joining from Accrington for £200,000, while Haji Mnoga was 19th man in the 4-2 victory at Burton last weekend.

Both Downing and Bolton played in Tuesday night's 3-0 win over Southend in the EFL Trophy. However, they’re expected to be omitted from Kenny Jackett's squad for MK Dons' visit to PO4 on Saturday.

Jackett admitted there have been no enquiries about the defensive duo so far.

But the Pompey boss is aware the window will get busy in the last few days ahead of the deadline - and will assess offers should they come in.

Jackett told The News: ‘There have been no enquiries and it is quiet at the moment.

‘But I can't tell what is going to happen in the next week. I can't tell whether any team will come in for anyone on the fringes or not getting a game at the moment.

‘We will see. There is nothing imminent in terms of outgoings but the last week does tend to get busy.

‘If anyone phones then we'll see but if not then we're not looking to shift anyone out. That's not the case.

‘Similarly, we will take each one as it comes if the offers come.

‘It is a little bit of everything when deciding to let players out.

‘We haven't got lots of numbers, haven't got any injuries at the moment and that is fine.

‘If and when the phone rings then we'll consider the club’s position and the player’s position and marry the two.’

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