No Portsmouth transfer panic despite Peterborough and Stoke blows

Pompey are keen on Harry Souttar, but Stoke want to keep him around. Picture: Alex Davidson/Getty Images

The Blues missed out on a move for Sammie Szmodics earlier this week.

Kenny Jackett was keen to bring the attacking midfielder to Fratton Park on loan from Bristol City, but he instead completed a £1m-plus move to Peterborough.

Pompey also have their eye on Harry Souttar.

Yet Stoke boss Michael O’Neil has challenged the centre-back to establish himself at the bet365 Stadium – although his situation could still change before the window closes on October 16.

Nevertheless, the Blues are unlikely to make any new signings ahead of Saturday's League One curtain-raiser against Shrewsbury.

So far, Jackett’s brought in Sean Raggett on a permanent basis from Norwich, Callum Johnson for a fee of around £200,000 from Accrington and Bristol City’s Cameron Pring on a season-long loan.

The Pompey boss insists he’s happy how his squad currently looks heading into a renewed promotion push.

Sammie Szmodics snubbed Pompey for a return to Peterborough. Picture: Simon Davies

But he won’t hesitate to recruit a ‘quality’ addition if one becomes available.

Jackett told The News: ‘I don't think that we need numbers. We have 20 players who are over the age of 21 then have half-a-dozen who are first-year professionals or third-year scholars who supplement our group.

‘I am happy enough with our numbers and the balance between youth and experience.

‘There won't be wholesale changes in the next month I don't think.

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‘But if there is someone who can add some quality or a compliment then obviously we will do.

‘We have a squad of players here that are very committed and work hard.

‘I do think a lot of them are and can develop and that is our aim with this group.’

Jackett consistently said throughout the summer that he didn’t need a squad overhaul after suffering play-off defeat to Oxford last season.

Pompey have managed to keep hold of prized assets such as Ronan Curtis and have no plans of letting them go, either.

Jackett wants those under contract to continue developing at PO4 and help the Blues reach the Championship.

The manager added: ‘We're pleased to add to new players in Johnson and Pring.

'Both have come in recently and they give us good options in the full-back positions.

‘Mainly, we've been looking to let our players develop and we had quite a lot of upheaval last summer. That hasn't been the case this summer and we have a settled group.

'It's not always about signing players but developing players is important.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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