Promoted side Portsmouth are not weighing up a move for Exeter City midfielder Reece Cole, as revealed by The News.
The League One season comes to an end this weekend, and John Mousinho can begin his plans for the summer transfer window now, with Portsmouth having already sealed their promotion to the Championship.
The club sealed their position, winning the title this past weekend, and while players such as Colby Bishop will be ready to step up to the second tier, the club must bring new faces into the squad to continue their push up the football pyramid.
One player mentioned is Exeter City midfielder Reece Cole, but a move to Fratton Park has been shut down by the South Coast club.
Portsmouth not interested in Cole.
While reinforcements are needed at Fratton Park, the club have not identified Cole as a target for their summer recruitment, seemingly indicating there are other positions they are prioritising strengthening or there are other targets they feel they could bring in this summer.
The club were linked with the Exeter City midfielder last week after he enjoyed an impressive campaign at St James’ Park. The 26-year-old has scored seven goals in 41 appearances for the club this season.
With three starting midfielders in their squad, it remains to be seen if this is a position that Pompey will strengthen this summer. Another League One player was linked with a move to Fratton Park, with Northampton Town’s Marc Leonard, on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion, also said to be on their radar.
Who is interested in Cole?
The former Brentford man’s future remains up in the air at the League One club with just one year remaining on his contract. Portsmouth’s League One rivals Bolton Wanderers have also been linked with a move for Cole. With potential promotion on the cards, it could be another potential Championship move for the midfielder, and there is another potential second-tier move available with Preston North End also credited with an interest.
Should midfield be part of Portsmouth’s summer recruitment?
Ahead of beginning their Championship journey, the midfield is one position that Pompey should look at strengthening this summer. Director Richard Hughes will be looking to continue the work he has done so well in playing his part in building this title-winning squad at Fratton Park.
There are three names in the midfield conversation for the club. These are Marlon Pack, Owen Moxon and Joe Morrell. Ahead of this trio, the club have three loan spells in midfield ending, as well as a player contract expiring this summer.
Their title success will give them the confidence to succeed in the Championship, but squad depth is a big part of football, and the midfield should be a priority for the League One champions this transfer window.