Portsmouth Join Fierce Chase For Non-League Star

League One champions Portsmouth have joined the fierce chase to land Altrincham star Chris Conn-Clarke this summer, according to a report via Football Transfers.

The 22-year-old took the National League by storm during the 2023/24 season, following his summer switch from Fleetwood Town and is now the centre of a transfer tussle between a number of EFL sides.

How did Conn-Clarke fair for Altrincham?

Since his summer switch, Conn-Clarke has made 47 appearances in all competitions for Altrincham, scoring 23 goals as well as providing 12 additional assists under Phil Parkinson.

Unfortunately, Altrincham missed out on promotion to the EFL after losing in the semi-final against eventual winners Bromley and now the Non-League side are likely to face an anxious summer in regards to the future of their main man.

Away from the goals, Conn-Clarke has also averaged 3.8 shots per game, 1.2 key passes per 90 minutes and a 77% passing success rate under Phil Parkinson this season.

Who else is interested?

According to the website Football Transfers, Portsmouth hold an interest in signing the playmaker, amongst other possible targets including Bristol Rovers’ Antony Evans.

However, they aren’t expected to be alone in their pursuit of the 22-year-old as Premier League-bound Ipswich Town have also been credited with an interest in landing Conn-Clarke’s signature.

League One newcomers Mansfield Town are another side that have been credited with an interest in landing the midfielder who is contracted at Altrincham until the summer of 2026.

How would this move impact Conn-Clarke’s development?

Portsmouth have several talented players under their ranks including the likes of Paddy Lane, Regan Poole and Owen Moxon, which would expose Conn-Clarke to important experiences that he needs to further develop as a player.

Conn-Clarke almost averaged a goal contribution every game for Altrincham last season and a return to the EFL could give the playmaker the motivation to make the most of it after being sold by Fleetwood last summer.