The departure of Matt Clarke is seen by many as inevitable - the likelihood of Jamal Lowe following him out of the door less certain but still very likely in the eyes of some.

But chief executive Mark Catlin has told The News the club do not NEED to sell anyone - and will only do so if a deal benefits the Blues. In other words, if a buying club is paying the true worth of the player who is leaving.

Catlin told the paper: 'We don’t have to sell anyone. I have to stress again, our transfer business isn’t reliant on any players going out and we are under zero pressure to sell. The only way we will sell a player is if it fits the player and the club. If it doesn’t, if it fits one of the parties and not the other, then tough.

‘Players sign contracts with clubs, any player leaves when it is acceptable to Portsmouth Football Club. We are only going to sell anyone if we feel it benefits the club in the long-term — and by that it’s about the financials and what that can do to strengthen our squad.

‘If we don’t feel a figure can strengthen our squad or improve it in any areas, then we won’t sell that player.’

Pompey have ended their interest in Birmingham winger Viv Solomon-Otabor but may swoop for another player with a double-barrelled surname.

Reports in Scotland say the Blues could sign Aberdeen midfielder Gary Mackay-Steven, 28, this week. He is available on a free transfer from the Dons.

Follow @Pompey_Fans

Click here to sign up for an account and reserve your username! You can then post on the Forum and add your comments to articles

Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.

Portsmouth Polls