Portsmouth captain Tom Naylor makes key contract admission with deal nearing an end

The Blues skipper is one of 11 players who is out of contract at the end of the season.

However, the club do not hold an option to extend his deal by an additional 12 months – unlike with the likes of Andy Cannon and Ben Close.

Naylor's arguably enjoyed his best campaign at Fratton Park since arriving in June 2018, scoring eight goals in 47 appearances.

Having played in the Championship with Burton earlier in his career, the midfielder admitted he wants another crack featuring at the higher level.

But with the Blues firmly in the League One promotion race, he'd love to do that at PO4.

Naylor told The News: ‘It's a difficult one at the minute. We have spoken between our parties so it's one of those where I'll give my all until the end of the season for the club.

‘I will always do that as captain then we'll see where it gets to but I just need to keep playing and see where my future lies.

‘I had a meeting with the gaffer on the first day he arrived and told him I don't want to give my captaincy up. It's an honour being captain of this football club so it's one of them ones where they (Pompey) have the money and I can't force their hand.

‘I'll just keep going in every single training session and game to get the club promoted to where they belong then see what happens in the summer.

‘I'm 30 in the summer and I want to play at the highest level I can. That's every player in league football, they want to play high.

‘I want to be in the Championship, that's my aim, and with Pompey. That lies with us playing well on the pitch and getting promoted.

‘Every club is in the situation with Covid and fans not being there. We'll see what happens in the summer because I'll give my all for this club then we’ll talk whenever.’

Naylor was brought to Pompey by ex-manager Kenny Jackett from Burton and was appointed captain a year later.

Since Danny Cowley took over in the driving seat last month, the 29-year-old has remained a regular and started all six games.

Naylor confessed the Blues' head coach wants him to stay beyond the summer.

He added: ‘From day one, the manager said he wants to keep me. He likes my defensive style of play.

‘If the gaffer wants you that's the main thing. I'm sure they'll be talking about who they want to keep and whose future lies elsewhere. That's just the way it is.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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