Portsmouth fans' favourite delivers verdict on his future with contract expiring in June

The midfielder is out of contract this summer, although the club hold the option for an additional 12 months.

Signing a two-and-a-half year deal when arriving from Rochdale in January 2019, the 24-year-old’s been a key player in Kenny Jackett’s side’s latest promotion push.

He’s scored once in 29 appearances and formed a pivotal partnership with Tom Naylor in the engine room.

The implementation of the League One salary cap at the beginning of the campaign means the Blues can only currently offer contracts at the divisional average of around £1,750 a week.

That represents a significant drop compared to many players’ current earnings, but the results after the arbitration period are soon to be revealed.

What’s more, the club continues to haemorrhage money amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Cannon admits he is putting his contractual situation at the back of his mind – although he loves it on the south coast and is keen to stay.

He told The News: ‘Yes, definitely (I'd like to extend my deal).

‘I love it down here, I love playing here and I love the atmosphere when the fans are in. You don't get better in League One for sure.

‘I've settled down here. I see it as a second home now. I really enjoy it and the people are great.

‘We will just have to see what happens in terms of things. Hopefully, it comes around and we can sort something.

‘Everyone knows the situation, it's like that for everyone. You would want to sort something out if you could but everyone is in the same situation.

‘You can't really think about it. You've just got to keep on concentrating on playing games and trying to win.

‘Something like this has never happened before so hopefully by the end of the season it's all sorted, everyone is happy and we can thrash out something.’

In total, 12 first-team players’ contracts expire at the season’s end.

They include regular starters Cannon, Tom Naylor, Craig MacGillivray, Ryan Williams and Jack Whatmough.

Along with Cannon, Pompey hold one-year options with Ben Close, Haji Mnoga and Duncan Turnbull should they choose to trigger them.

Charlie Daniels signed a short-term deal after arriving on a free transfer from Shrewsbury last month, while Jordy Hiwula extended his stay for the remainder of the campaign having initially joined in October.

Bryn Morris’ contract is up in June and will depart at the end of his loan at Northampton.

The Blues must also weigh up if they will retain teenage keeper Taylor Seymour.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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