Portsmouth to leave fans on transfer tenterhooks for now

Chief executive Mark Catlin has revealed nothing is ‘imminent’ in that respect as the Blues’ summer recruitment remains somewhat at a standstill.

A permanent move for Sean Raggett remains Pompey’s sole bit of business in the current window, after he spent last season on loan at Fratton Park from Norwich.

A new deal for out-of-contract vice-captain Lee Brown was also agreed.

SEE ALSO: Catlin addresses Kenny Jackett's Portsmouth future – again

But with the window now more than two weeks old, Blues fans are getting increasingly envious as they see other League One clubs go about their business.

The coronavirus outbreak meant the club were always going to have to rethink their transfer policy this summer.

Meanwhile, the introduction of a salary cap meant a further rethink was necessary, with League One sides now required to operate within a £2.5m playing budget per season and with squad sizes restricted to 22 senior players.

Catlin admitted talks are ongoing with potential targets, with the Blues now turning their attention to the loan market.

The CEO believes Pompey will get more ‘bang for their buck’ with that approach – and remain in dialogue with Premier League and Championship clubs regarding specific players.

Nothing is close at this time, though.

However, speaking in his latest Q&A on the club website, Catlin said that could change very quickly.

The Blues chief executive said: ‘We're speaking to a couple of players/clubs.

‘But I wouldn't say they’re imminent.

‘Things can change very quickly - one particular player we're speaking to, if he called me this afternoon and said “okay, I'm good to go”, we'd try and get it done as quickly as possible.

‘But I don’t think that is going to happen, so I wouldn't say it is imminent, but who knows, things change very quickly.

‘Kenny could get a call over the weekend via an agent, a club or a player and just ring me and say “look, I really think this is a great signing for us” and we would do what we can to get that player.

‘But I wouldn't say there is anything imminent that I am aware of.’

The transfer window closes at 11pm on Monday, October 5, with an agreement in place with the Premier League for an extended two-week domestic only window which will close at 5pm on Friday, October 16.

Pompey’s League One season kicks off on Saturday, September 12.

However, their new campaign will begin with a Carabao Cup game on Saturday, September 5.

The draw for this years competition is yet to take place, while league fixtures are expected to be announced on Friday, April 21.