Portsmouth contract update as key players' deals edge closer to expiry

The Blues are still unable to open discussions with 10 players whose deals expire at the end of the season.

Among them are regular starters Tom Naylor, Jack Whatmough, Ryan Williams, Craig MacGillivray and Andy Cannon – although the club holds the option of an additional year with the latter.

Likewise, Pompey have similar clauses with Haji Mnoga, Ben Close and Duncan Turnbull.

Meanwhile, Jordy Hiwula and Taylor Seymour's respective deals end on June 30.

The Covid-19 pandemic has had financial ramifications on every club in the country, with revenues being hit because of spectators being locked out of stadia for the majority of the season.

In addition, the implementation of the League One salary cap means Pompey would currently only be able to offer the divisional average wage of around £1,750 per week.

For those reasons, it’s proving virtually impossible to hand out fresh terms.

Jackett said: ‘The contractual situation is different this year and there is such a big difference between the Championship and League One.

‘It is very hard to plan for next year, for anybody, it is.

‘While we can have a look for next year, for anyone whose contract is up at the end of the season then it is slightly different.

‘While in normal seasons it might be like that, it's not going to be this year, particularly in the January window.

‘Where and how the summer looks – are supporters going to come back? We had supporters in for two games, albeit 2,000 fans, but it looks like it's going to be a long time until supporters come back.

‘Hopefully, they come back quick but how do clubs plan when you don't know a new strain of the virus is around the corner and things change.’

Naylor, Williams and Whatmough have all told The News they want to commit their futures to Pompey but understand the situation.

They’re players Jackett would want to keep – but full focus must be on promotion.

Jackett added: ‘We've just got to focus on our football at the moment.

‘We all like and appreciate those players and they like the club, but the circumstances are different this year and it's difficult to see where the financial landscape is going to be in the summer.’