The 22-year-old has scored 23 goals in 46 outings for the non-league club.
Pompey’s pursuit of Altrincham attacking midfielder Chris Conn-Clarke is expected to intensify, with Wigan Athletic reportedly joining the race.
Alan Nixon has stated that the Latics are now prepared to compete with Pompey, Peterborough, and Ipswich Town for the 22-year-old, who has scored 23 goals in 46 games and helped his club reach the National League play-off semi-finals. Conn-Clarke, who has added 12 assists, was named to the National League Team of the Season for his outstanding 2023/24 performance. Pompey manager John Mousinho had hoped to bring Conn-Clarke in this summer as he attempts to strengthen the squad ahead of his side’s return to the Championship, but The News claimed on Thursday that the Blues’ approach for the Northern Irish international was refused. Football Transfers also stated earlier this month that Ipswich Town, who will join the Premier League in the coming season, were interested in the ex-Burnley player, with Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna looking to enhance his squad options ahead of a difficult 2024/25 season.
With Pompey and Ipswich Town offering Championship and Premier League football respectively, there is no doubt that Conn-Clarke will be tempted to join the higher ranking club.
However, given the gulf that already exists between the National League and League One, let alone between the National League and Premier League, the latest report on Football League World suggests that Conn-Clarke would do well to lower his sights, setting them on the third-tier options of the Latics or the Posh where he is more likely to gain more consistent game time. 22-year-old Conn-Clarke joined Altrincham on a permanent deal last summer having spent a spell on loan with the National League side. He previously signed for Burnley in 2020 but never represented the Clarets at senior level, instead heading to the National League North side Chorley on loan.
Fleetwood Town then signed the Northern Irishman as a free agent in 2021, but Conn-Clarke continued to struggle for playing time and moved to Alty, where he has since excelled. The offensive midfielder has two years remaining on his present deal, but Robins manager Phil Parkinson has already stated that he expects his top player to leave this summer.
As reported by The News last week, Parkinson is quoted by the MailOnline as saying: “I would like to reassure everyone that Chris will be with us next season, but, in all honesty, I can’t. If he’s still with us at the start of next season, I’ll have the biggest smile you’ve ever seen. Otherwise, I won’t be amazed.”
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