There's lots of talk about Conor Chaplin leaving Portsmouth, a hungry young striker who has his route to first team football blocked by Brett Pitman.

In the 4-2-3-1 that Portsmouth played last season, Pitman tied up the sole striker role with a confident and assured campaign which brought 24 goals. Chaplin might not be given a chance but there's good reason; Pitman is so good.

There's no role in the three behind the striker for Chaplin either, which could result in him leaving for Coventry City. Kenny Jackett won't let him leave without a replacement though, which seems nonsensical given the fact he is leaving is a lack of opportunities anyway.

What it could mean is that Portsmouth target a different type of striker, with Devante Cole one name that has popped up. Journalist Alan Nixon linked Pompey with Cole yesterday and it is a move that would make perfect sense.

Cole is quicker than Chaplin and could offer something as part of the three man attacking midfield, either on one side or through the centre. He would be effective overlapping Pitman, or providing the width as Pompey surged forward.

Cole was devastating for Fleetwood but struggled to force himself into the first team at the DW Stadium after his move. He did impress at Fratton Park though, scoring a composed goal against Pompey last season.

Chaplin is perhaps too similar not only to Pitman, but also former Dagenham man Oliver Hawkins. Chaplin and Hawkins have played in the pre-season friendlies together, but neither offer the explosive pace of Cole. Jamal Lowe does, but surely to aid Pitman in the right manner Kenny Jackett needs more pace around the forward, not an additional target man.

Chaplin is a good footballer, League One quality and perhaps if Jackett is looking to sell a striker it should be Hawkins, but there's not as much interest in him. Chaplin is an asset, a saleable one, but he's going nowhere unless there's someone else coming in. If Alan Nixon is correct, that could be Devante Cole.

If Kenny Jackett wants a real goal threat and he does bag Cole, he could do worse than look to shuffle his formation and run with a two-pronged attack, Cole and Pitman. Despite their set up, Pompey struggled for goals and conceded too many last time out, that alone cost them a top six finish. Even if the problems at the back are not addressed, a Cole and Pitman front line would add extra goals in the 'for' column.

That alone could be enough to see Portsmouth's rise from the ashes turn into a fiery surge up the Football League.