Transfer verdict: Brett Pitman Portsmouth exit 'unlikely' this month

The chances of Brett Pitman leaving Pompey between now and the close of the January transfer window are ‘unlikely’.
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That’s the verdict of Blues writer Jordan Cross as the clock ticks down on Friday’s 11pm deadline.

Pitman has been linked with a move away from Fratton Park this month as he finds game time at Fratton Park increasingly hard to come by.

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The last of his 16 appearances this season came as a 72nd-minute substitute against MK Dons on December 29.

And earlier in January both League Two Swindon and Plymouth were credited with interest in the front man with 99 Pompey appearances and 42 goals to his name.

Those initial links have since cooled, though, with both the Robins and Pilgrims bringing in other striker options in recent weeks.

Yet the subject of Pitman’s Pompey future remains high on the agenda.

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Brett Pitman's Pompey contract expires at the end of the seasonBrett Pitman's Pompey contract expires at the end of the season
Brett Pitman's Pompey contract expires at the end of the season

The 31-year-old now in the final six months of a three-year deal.

Meanwhile, he has failed to feature in any of the Blues’ past five match-day squads going into tonight’s game at Lincoln.

Speaking in the latest edition of Pompey Talk ahead of the Barnsley game, News writer Cross said anything could still happen with Pitman this month.

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However, he expects the striker to sit tight for the remainder of the season before finally bringing the curtain down on his Fratton Park career in the summer.

Cross said: ‘I find the chances of that (a move) happening probably unlikely now.

‘You know, he's got six months left on a decent contract, he's scored all those goals in his time at Pompey, probably doesn't want to make any waves, and then he can go in a strong position in the summer to earn himself a move somewhere else.

‘Pompey certainly have it all to do if they are trying to free up some money in the budget by getting rid of Brett Pitman.

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‘Having said that, you've got a few days to go, some managers are going to be getting a bit twitchy, shall we say.

‘But as it stands at the moment, I find it unlikely but not inconceivable that Brett could possibly go.

‘There was interest earlier on in the month from the likes of Swindon and Plymouth but nothing absolutely imminent.

‘But then I don’t think Brett is really agitating to leave, either.

‘He can sit tight for a few months and make himself a few quid and then he leaves Pompey with the thanks of the supporters with the goals he's scored.

‘I'd bet that's firmly on Brett's radar as well.’

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