July 6, 2025
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Potts: You have just got to take every opportunity you can | West Ham  United F.C.

Update emerges on Portsmouth interest in rumoured Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers target

Portsmouth are not interested in Reading midfielder Charlie Savage, a fresh report from The News has clarified.

Portsmouth will be looking to strengthen their grip on a place in the Championship next season after staving off an immediate drop to League One. Pompey were around the relegation picture most of the campaign, but inspired home form was key in staying afloat.

John Mousinho and co will have visions of pushing further up the Championship table next year, but they must bolster the ranks to improve their chances of doing so.

Plenty of rumoured targets have been cited in reports of late, with Reading star Charlie Savage among them.

However, The News has now said that Portsmouth are not interested in bringing the former Manchester United youngster to Fratton Park this summer.

Fellow Championship sides Birmingham City, Blackburn Rovers and Wrexham were said keen on the 22-year-old midfielder, who starred for the Royals in their push for the League One play-offs last season.

Savage could feasibly earn a move to a Championship side off the back of his fine season, but it seems that Pompey will not be his destination with no interest from the Hampshire outfit at this moment in time.

Portsmouth overlooking a smart target?

It might be that Savage is not on the Portsmouth radar, but he does look as though he would have been a solid option to consider in their search for midfielders.

Extra bodies are needed in the middle of the park with Freddie Potts and Isaac Hayden heading back to West Ham and Newcastle United respectively. As a young player capable of operating as a box-to-box midfielder or sitting deeper, he could have been a good fit for Mousinho’s squad.

However, his fine season means he will not be cheap, and Pompey may be more inclined to roll the dice on a cheaper player who is not quite as established as Savage.

The importance of early deals

Portsmouth are yet to make a breakthrough on the transfer front but they will benefit from getting deals done in good time this summer.

Isaac Hayden leaves Newcastle as summer clear out begins ahead of new  season | Arab News

The sooner new players can come through the door, the quicker they can get to work with Mousinho and his squad in pre-season. It allows for ample time to settle in with new teammates and learn the methods of the boss.

Pompey won’t be forced into rushing into deals though. They have money to spend again, but they will spend it wisely as they look to further consolidate their Championship place.

Portsmouth chief vows to address Fratton Park seat shortage as season ticket waiting list hits 3,300

The Blues are again capping season ticket sales at 15,000 due to Fratton Park’s capacity

Andy Cullen insists Pompey are exploring ways to address their spiralling season ticket waiting list.

And that includes the possibility of introducing more seats at Fratton Park – in addition to long-running plans for the North Stand’s expansion.

The Blues have reported almost 14,600 season ticket renewals so far – with a cap of 15,000 once again in place.

Biggest home crowds for 57 years

Last term Pompey registered an average league attendance of 20,263 upon their Championship return, representing their highest crowds for 57 years.

However, with a Fratton Park capacity of around 21,000 and an escalating season ticket waiting list, supply worryingly cannot meet rising demand among supporters.

Pompey chief executive Cullen told The News: ‘Once the latest process is completed, there will be a small number of season tickets available for those at the head of the waiting list.

‘The waiting list is currently at 3,300 and continues to grow, although a number of season ticket holders – for one reason or another – aren’t able to renew for the following season.

Isaac Hayden leaves Newcastle as summer clear out begins ahead of new  season | Arab News

‘It might look like a dim and distant opportunity at the moment, but I encourage people to join the waiting list because it gets you in place. That figure will come down as a good number are able to take up the remaining number of seats.

‘We are again capping it at 15,000 this year, otherwise it will deny people who aren’t able to buy a season ticket or can casually attend only a few games a season. We still want them to have that opportunity.

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