Portsmouth defender Jack Whatmough has confirmed that he wants to sign a new contract with the club.

Whatmough's current deal is set to expire at the end of this season, meaning he would at that be free to leave the club for nothing, while he could even negotiate a pre-contract agreement with clubs based abroad as early as January.

However, it now seems as though the centre back has no intention of doing either of those things, and is instead hoping to secure his long-term future at Fratton Park.

Speaking about the possibility of signing a new deal with Pompey after their 2-2 draw at Plymouth on Monday night, Whatmough was quoted by BBC Sport Portsmouth reporter Andrew Moon as saying: “The minute they can talk and they want to talk I’ve said I’m happy to talk and I’d love to extend."

A graduate of Portsmouth's academy, Whatmough has made a total of 111 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring twice, since making his senior debut for the south coast club in November 2013.

Following their draw with Plymouth, Portsmouth are sixth in the League One table, three points adrift of the automatic promotion spots.

 

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The Verdict

This does look to be something of a boost for Portsmouth.

Whatmough is an important player for them, and you feel they would certainly be happy to keep him around, meaning it may not be too long until negotiations get underway here.

Indeed, these comments from Whatmough do seem to reflect well on the Fratton Park club here.

Given he is so keen to see, you have to assume he is happy at Portsmouth, which does provide a solid reflection of the club, and may make them an appealing prospect for potential signings when the transfer window reopens.