Portsmouth manager John Mousinho has described Josh Dacres-Cogley as a ‘great player’ but dismissed reports of interest in him.
Portsmouth are looking for more new signings as they prepare for Championship action. The promotion from League One means there is still work to be done, but John Mouinsho will have faith in many of the players who helped bring second-tier football back to Fratton Park. Several players have been associated with Pompey, some to no avail. Recent reports of a move for Bolton Wanderers ace Josh Dacre
Portsmouth were connected in a Patreon post by Alan Nixon, but local newspaper The News downplayed the club’s chances of signing someone for £500,000 who may not even start. Manager John Mousinho has also played off the rumors.
Speaking to The News, the Pompey manager described Dacres-Cogley as a ‘great talent’ but said there is ‘nothing in it’ from their side. He said:
“The way we’ve handled with things over the last six months is that we’re not going to comment on guys like that who are under contract, whether there is a link or not.
“In Josh’s case he’s a fantastic player who was brilliant last year, but there’s nothing in it from us.”
s-Cogley appear to be going nowhere.
Smarter business should be done.
As Mousinho acknowledges, Dacres-Cogley is a talented player. He had a great first season with Bolton Wanderers after signing from Tranmere Rovers, scoring three goals and providing six assists in 55 games on the right side.
His contract expires next summer, so there may have been some expectation that he would not cost too much.
However, he plays an important role in Ian Evatt’s team, so it’s maybe not surprising that they wanted roughly £500,000 for his services. As a result, many people will not be surprised to learn that Portsmouth is also uninterested.
First reports downplayed the possibility of spending so much money on a potential backup, while Mousinho appeared to discourage interest entirely.
Portsmouth need more right-back alternatives, but there is smarter business to be done. Perhaps a free transfer or loan option would be preferable, or at least signing for a transfer fee lower than Dacres-Cogley’s valuation.
Summer business to date.
As they prepare for Championship football, Portsmouth have made some astute signings this summer.
Jordan Williams has joined on a free transfer from Barnsley. He is anticipated to become the first-choice right-back at Fratton Park, having prospered in that position before making the surprise change to centre-back with the Tykes last season.
Reuben Swann, a teenage midfielder from non-league club AFC Sudbury, is the only player to have signed for a price so far.
Jordan Archer and Josh Murphy arrived on free transfers, while Sam Silvera joined on loan from Championship rivals Middlesbrough.
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