Portsmouth are considering a move for Accrington Stanley midfielder Matt Butcher in the summer, as per a report from Portsmouth-based outlet, The News. 

The 24-year-old, who tends to operate in a holding role for the Lancashire club, has regularly featured for his side this season, making 29 appearances in the third tier. 

Starting 27 of these matches, Butcher has scored four goals and assisted three in League One this season, adding to the two goals and four assists he managed in 42 appearances last time out. 

Butcher sees his contract with Accrington Stanley expire in the summer, with Pompey looking to capitalise on that situation. 

 

 

The 24-year-old was born in Portsmouth, before progressing through the youth ranks at AFC Bournemouth. 

Butcher enjoyed loan spells with Gosport Borough, Poole Town, Woking, Yeovil Town and St Johnstone before making the permanent switch to the north-west in 2020. 

The verdict 

Butcher has been a top performer for his side this season, with his potential availability in the summer unsurprisingly catching the attention. 

The young midfielder has been an important player for Stanley ever since he arrived, proving to be a real technician and an excellent reader of the game, whilst being able to play his part in the attacking third when required. 

It remains to be seen if Portsmouth's initial interest could attract other clubs to his services, although, a move back to his hometown could be enough for Pompey. 

This would represent an excellent bit of business from the highly ambitious League One club, as they will now be fully focused on what next season may bring.