Pompey say they are effectively operating under the proposed new League One wage cap - even though it has not yet been approved.

CEO Mark Catlin says the Blues are having to consider the £2.5m ceiling as they plan next season's squad and budget in case it is voted in and backdated.

Pompey have complained the wage cap will stop clubs with higher turnovers investing income in their squad. Other well-supported clubs have argued a similar point.

But it is thought a sizeable number of clubs in League One are in favour iof it.

Catlin told The News: They are trying to push it through for the 2020-21 season. Whatever decisions we make with signings, apparently it’s going to be backdated for June 20. So we’re already now operating under a salary cap which hasn’t been voted upon.

'We are now potentially under a salary cap regime, but haven’t been able to sign players before the deadline because we now what league we were going to be in. There are players you would sign without a salary cap which you can’t sign with a salary cap because it sends you over.

‘Players already on the club’s books will be classed as being at the divisional average for the length of their contract. Which also applied to Championship clubs coming down with potential £20m budgets.

‘But if, during a season, you want to give one of your star players a pay rise and longer term deal, you’re going to be handcuffed because you cannot breach the salary cap.’

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