Portsmouth have decided not to offer former Southampton midfielder Jake Hesketh a contract, as per a recent report by The News.

The 25-year-old advanced playmaker recently spent time on trial with Danny Cowley's mean after his release by the Saints and was one of many trialists under consideration at Fratton Park.

Hesketh was given three weeks to impress and featured in both of the club's first two pre-season friendlies before Cowley took the decision to not offer him a deal.

The midfielder has plenty of previous Football League experience after taking in spells with the likes of Crawley Town, Burton Albion, Lincoln City and MK Dons over the past few years.

However Pompey have opted against a move for the player as they continue to explore many avenues with a view to strengthening their existing squad before the season kicks off in a few weeks time.

Hesketh made just four first team appearances for Southampton before leaving the club where he started his career earlier this summer.

The Verdict 

I would've thought that Hesketh would be the ideal addition for Pompey this summer but clearly they have other targets in mind at Fratton Park.

The midfielder's previous injury problems may well have come into their thinking and there is still some question marks over what formation Cowley is looking to employ moving forwards.

Ultimately all triallists are very hit and miss and it is an extremely tough transfer market to navigate at present.

I certainly think that Portsmouth will be pleased with the business that they have conducted so far and I think they have certainly done well to replace the players that they have lost over the past few months.

They are still in need of a few more players in order to bulk out the squad, so it wouldn't shock me if they do indeed sign up some of the players that they have on trial at present.