The two players Portsmouth risk losing to the Championship on free transfers

That's the verdict of Andy Cannon, who believes the Fratton Park board must give the out-of-contract players ‘what they deserve’.

The Blues have 11 members of the squad whose deals culminate at the end of the season.

Among them is skipper Naylor, who has been the lynchpin during the latest League One promotion push.

Whatmough has also been a key player, having bounced back from a third serious knee injury of his career.

Cannon’s contract too comes to a conclusion in June but the club hold the option of an additional year.

Still, the midfielder reckons Pompey need to tie up the futures of their stars sooner rather than later – because this is the time of year rival clubs start sniffing around.

Asked if he thinks potential suitors will be looking at some of the out-of-contract players, Cannon replied: ‘Definitely. If they're performing, why wouldn't they be?

‘At a club like this, you're playing at a good level and showing you're one of the better players.

‘For the likes of Jack Whatmough and Tom Naylor they have been superb this season. Why wouldn't clubs be looking at them?

‘They're both great players and can go on to the next level in the Championship and I think they're Championship players. It would be nice to keep them.

‘If we could get to the Championship, 100 per cent there wouldn't be a better place with the fans back – it would be rocking.

‘It's a great club, a great club in League One so never mind the Championship when there are bigger games.

‘Now it's time for the board or whoever who give the contracts out to give them what they deserve.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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