Despite reports earlier today suggesting that Championship newcomers Portsmouth were interested in Bolton Wanderers player Josh Dacres-Cogley, a further update has suggested that this is not true.
Journalist Alan Nixon posted on his Patreon account earlier today that Pompey were pursuing a move for the talented former Tranmere Rovers man, however a further report from reputable local publication, who are known to get their information from the club, The News (Portsmouth) has refuted this claim.
It is suggested that the club are focusing on other areas of the squad rather than targeting the Bolton man. Portsmouth have already secured the signing of Jordan Williams this summer, who is expected to be the club’s first choice option in that position, so a second high profile signing for the same spot would not be a prudent use of funds.
This is the second transfer claim refuted by a reputable club-fed publication in a matter of weeks after reputable local journalist Gary Hutchinson clarified that Lincoln City were not pursuing a deal for Jordan Gabriel, despite Alan Nixon’s claims. However, Nixon has stuck to his guns posting a third story surrounding the Blackpool man and Lincoln’s interest this year.
These two issues, alongside a mistake earlier today where it was suggested Barnsley were pursuing a move for Ronan Coughlin, when they were actually moving for Promis Omochere from Fleetwood Town (This was later rectified in a post on Patreon.) raise more questions than answers.
What is likely to have happened?
Journalists don’t make up information, despite sometimes fans accusing colleagues in the profession of it. However, it can be easy to find yourself caught up in potential stories that have either been exaggerated or even created by a third party for a purpose.
Sometimes agents will suggest clubs that are interested to heighten interest in their player, sometimes clubs may feed interest to raise the price in negotiations. Whatever the truth is, can sometimes be hard to piece together. It is worth analysing the source and taking the time to assess the likelihood of a potential scenario. Or, just take it as it is a story and wait for further information before fully committing to it.