Forward can't leave if Pompey are weakened
Thursday, 12th Jul 2018 22:27 by pompey-fans.com staff

Conor Chaplin will not be allowed to leave Pompey if it weakens the club or the squad.

That is Kenny Jackett's message as Coventry and Barnsley lead the clubs interested in signing the Blues forward.

Jackett has indicated fan favourite Chaplin will only be allowed to move if the deal is right for the club and a replacement is in place.

He told The News: 'It’s not so much about the fee, it’s about strengthening the squad. I am not going to weaken our team, I am not going to weaken our squad at this period.

‘If I can turn the situation into a positive for Portsmouth, then yes I will entertain it. But unless it turns into a positive for us where we get player or players to make us stronger then nothing is going to happen.

‘Considering quite a small fee and then just starting to look around is not going to be the case — there has to be somebody on the way that I feel improves us. Are we looking for replacements? Yes, of course. Are we looking to improve the squad? Yes, no doubt.

‘But, similarly, I am realistic enough to know what the market is like at the moment. If you phone up a competitor about a player it’s a very difficult conversation, we are not just going to step out of the way and improve someone and weaken ourselves.’

One factor in Jackett's mind may be that Chaplin has looked sharp in pre-season, showing up well against Cork and Havant and scoring in both games.

Pompey's next friendly sees them visit Stevenage on Saturday.