Portsmouth hoping for boost as League One salary cap may not be backdated if implemented

The Blues are firmly against the idea that could be implemented for the start of the upcoming season.

Chief executive Mark Catlin has been spearheading the battle that would restrict League One clubs to a wage ceiling of £2.5m.

That would be a significant drop from Pompey's current bill that stands at around £4m.

The likes of Sunderland and Ipswich are also opposed to a wage ceiling. Sides who are relegated from the Championship would also likely take a similar stance.

Precise details continue to be thrashed out, although it is has been expected to be backdated for June 30, while players aged under 21 are excluded.

A vote is set to be held at the end of this month.

Should the cap be approved, it is understood it may instead come into play after the vote – rather than be backdated.

Players who are already on the club’s books will be classed as being at the divisional average - which is £1,300 per week - for the length of their contract.

That would help the Blues in the short term as they could sign players without having to worry about their wages being backdated.

In addition, there Football League are also weighing up the option to defer a wage ceiling until the start of the 2021-22 campaign because of time constraints.

Kenny Jackett's side have yet to make a signing this summer after falling to League One play-off defeat to Oxford United just under two weeks ago.

A key factor why the Blues have been unable to recruit fresh faces is due to the uncertainty of whether a wage cap will be introduced.

Pompey have targets they're interested in but Catlin previously revealed players they’ve been in negotiations with 'are laughing' at being offered the League One average wage.

There are currently 17 senior players under contract at Fratton Park, as well as 18-year-old defender Haji Mnoga.

Lee Brown remains in negotiations over a new contract, although Brandon Haunstrup has turned down a fresh deal despite being offered improved terms.