What Danny Cowley's imminent Portsmouth appointment means for Man Utd and Chelsea triallists

Manchester United defender Max Taylor and Chelsea midfielder Pierre Ekwah had both been training with the Blues during Kenny Jackett s final week as boss.

The pair duly impressed for the reserves in a 2-1 victory over Luton under-21s at Gosport Borough's Privett Park.

Taylor, 21, and Ekwah, 19, were both potential recruits for Pompey in the summer before Jackett lost his job on Sunday after losing the Papa John's Trophy final to Salford at Wembley.

As a result, the Blues have unsurprisingly cooled interest as Cowley – who is set to take the Fratton Park hot seat – will want to want to put his own stamp on things.

Joe Gallen, who has been acting as caretaker boss, told The News: ‘The triallists have been put on hold.

‘I heard both did pretty well but that will be something for the new management to pick up, really.

‘I think as a club, it should be looking at triallists released from Premier League clubs.

‘That's only a natural way of doing it and I was glad to see the players come in.

‘The likes of Crystal Palace, Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea are only up the road and the club should be able to look at the lads they're releasing at all ages to try to improve the club.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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