Former Portsmouth player Gary O'Neil has suggested that the club could potentially present themselves as an attractive proposition to future targets if they are able to secure the services of Marlon Pack this summer.

Pack is set to leave Cardiff City at the end of June when his current contract expires and thus will be available on a free transfer.

A report from The News earlier this month revealed that Pompey had held talks with the midfielder over the possibility of him re-joining the club.

It is understood that Pack has been impressed by Danny Cowley's ambition for Portsmouth as is open to the possibility of dropping into League One.

Pack started his senior career at Fratton Park before sealing a move to Cheltenham Town in 2011.

Following a spell at Bristol City, the 31-year-old joined Cardiff in 2019 and went on to make 109 appearances for the club in all competitions.

Making reference to Pompey's pursuit of Pack, O'Neil has admitted that he believes that signing the midfielder could have a knock-on effect when it comes to the club targeting other players this summer.

Speaking to The News about Pack, O'Neil said: "It would definitely strengthen Pompey.

"Obviously, you can only take it one addition at a time, but I think if they can get the Marlon Pack one done it sort of sets you up and puts you in good stead early in the summer.

"Maybe a few other people who may be looking at joining Pompey would take notice of the fact they managed to sign a good player. and can see they're maybe having a serious push towards promotion this season."

The Verdict

O'Neil makes a valid point as Portsmouth will be sending out a signal of intent by signing Pack who has played in the Championship in each of the past seven seasons.

Having averaged a respectable WhoScored match rating of 6.63 in the second-tier during the previous term, the midfielder will be confident in his ability to deliver the goods on a consistent basis in a lower division if he does seal a switch to Pompey.

When you consider that Portsmouth have recently managed to convince Sean Raggett and Michael Jacobs to stay at Fratton Park, it wouldn't be at all surprising if they go on to reach new heights in League One later this year if they add some fresh faces to their squad.

By nailing his recruitment in the upcoming window, Cowley could potentially guide his side to a positive start to the 2022/23 campaign.