Portsmouth are reportedly still waiting to hear whether Bristol City target Jack Whatmough will accept a new deal on reduced terms. 

The 24-year-old was a key man for Pompey last season, partnering Sean Raggett at centre-back when available – featuring 37 times in what was his most significant season to date.

Whatmough's current deal with the South Coast club is set to expire this summer and, according to journalist Ciaran Wiseman, the Robins are hoping to capitalise as Nigel Pearson looks to rebuild his squad after letting 11 senior players leave.

Keeping the defender is thought to have been a priority for Pompey but Andrew Moon from the BBC has revealed they were only able to offer him a new deal on reduced terms and are yet to receive a response.

Whatmough is not the only player either, with the League One side in a similar position concerning Ben Close, Tom Naylor, and Ryan Williams.

Despite failing to qualify for the play-offs, Danny Cowley has been handed a long-term deal at Fratton Park and will be hoping to shape his squad this summer.

The transfer decisions he makes are likely to be affected by how many of the four players named agree to remain at Portsmouth.

The Verdict

This update will likely concern Pompey fans, particularly after the recent reports concerning interest from City.

Whatmough cemented his place in the first team alongside Raggett this season but it seems 2020/21 may be his last at Fratton Park.

Losing a promising academy product on a free transfer will be a real blow and something that is likely to really frustrate supporters.

That said, the fact that the defender is yet to actually reject the terms offered to him may give Pompey fans some hope of keeping him.