Speculation commences as ex-Tranmere target follows Portsmouth official Twitter account

It might well be completely innocuous and is not worth looking into any deeper.
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However, it hasn’t gone unnoticed by fans on social media.

Members of the Fratton faithful have been quick to point out that former target Manny Monthe has started following Pompey's official Twitter account.

That’s unsurprisingly meant that speculation the defender could be on his way to the south coast has commenced.

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Supporters have pointed out that the centre-half only follows three other clubs on Twitter.

They are his current side Tranmere, as well as ex-employees Forest Green and Bath City.

The Blues had Monthe on their radar during the January transfer window when Kenny Jackett was keen to sign a left-footed centre-back.

But Tranmere’s asking price of £750,000, coupled with the blossoming form of Sean Raggett, resulted in Pompey believing it wasn’t worth pursuing a deal.

Tranmere's Manny Monthe battles Tottenham's Harry Kane. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty ImagesTranmere's Manny Monthe battles Tottenham's Harry Kane. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
Tranmere's Manny Monthe battles Tottenham's Harry Kane. Picture: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
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Monthe, 25, remained at Prenton Park. He couldn't help Rovers avoid relegation from League One, though, after the season was curtailed and the table decided by an unweighted points-per-game formula amid the Covid-19 outbreak.

As a consequence, chairman Mark Palios said Tranmere are looking at up to a £1m loss of income and been forced to make staff redundancies following demotion.

What's more, manager Micky Mellon left the club this week to take charge of Dundee United.

That could mean that Tranmere need to cut their cloth and sell prized assets.

Manny Monthe has started following Pompey on Twitter. Picture: TwitterManny Monthe has started following Pompey on Twitter. Picture: Twitter
Manny Monthe has started following Pompey on Twitter. Picture: Twitter
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In total, Monthe scored three goals in 39 games for the Merseyside outfit this term. He has a year left on his deal.

Pompey will be in the market for at least one centre-back during the summer transfer window.

In addition, Sean Raggett has returned to Norwich following his season-long loan. Jackett has said he'd be interested in signing the ex-Lincoln man on a permanent basis

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Meanwhile, Paul Downing was firmly out of favour this term, while Jack Whatmough is still feeling his way back in after a third serious knee injury.