Exclusive:Portsmouth chief Rich Hughes addresses Terry Devlin's future as he makes transfer stance clear

Rich Hughes insists there remains ‘no demand or desire’ to sell Terry Devlin this summer.

Although Pompey’s sporting director admitted he would be surprised if no transfer interest was registered in the talented Northern Ireland international.

According to Hughes, the Blues have yet to receive any offers or enquiries in the window for the 22-year-old, who arrived from Glentoran in June 2023.

Realistically, however, they anticipate that situation changing, with former suitors Wrexham, in particular, expected to return after a £2m bid was rejected in January.

Regardless, Devlin is now over the hamstring injury which ruled him out of the final three matches of last season, attending Pompey’s ongoing training camp in the Republic of Ireland.

Yet Hughes accepts interest could soon be lodged by admirers of the right-back - and, depending on offers, could well be considered.

‘There is no demand or desire to sell’

He told The News: ‘Ultimately, there’s a natural by-product of players being very well thought off and developing at an incredible pace - and we have been consistent in our thought process.

‘The person who deserves the most credit for Terry's development is Terry. He has got himself into a really good spot and, although nothing has come yet, I don’t think anyone would be surprised if there was interest.

‘But, as a player under contract, it’s going to have to hit a level that feels acceptable to the club. Given Terry’s contract position and having security on that, there is no demand or desire to sell.

‘However, if something comes up that is a fee which is going to massively benefit the future of the football club, then it’s something which will be considered - but there is no pressure to sell. There have been no offers or enquiries as things stand.

‘It’s the model in any football club. If a player comes in and there is a substantial return on profit after a significant impact on the team, I don’t think many clubs will be able to move away from that.

‘Even the top end, it’s mirrored in terms of you have players who have signed for £30-40m at various clubs and then end up going for over £80m in future transfers. That model is always going to be prevalent in the pyramid.’

‘Firm bids’ for Portsmouth players

A number of Pompey’s fringe players have attracted ‘firm bids’ this summer as the club look to reduce squad numbers.

Ibane Bowat and Jacob Farrell are among those they are keen to offload, with John Mousinho making no secret that the duo do not possess Fratton Park futures.

Certainly the Blues will be hoping Devlin remains, having dominated the end of season awards, with The News/Sports Mail Player of the Season them.

On the flip side, Pompey are also striving to add to their squad at present, with Odin Bailey and Eoin Kenny so far arriving on the south coast.

‘There’s no pressure from the owners’

Hughes added: ‘There are sometimes problems you have in football clubs, but this is a very healthy problem. In terms of having a player who has developed, put himself in a very good spot in his career and, ultimately, will be coveted by other teams.

‘That is our position as a football club, to protect yourself in terms of the contract. If and when something comes up, it’s about being financially right for the football club - then it’s a consideration.

‘But there’s no pressure from the owners based on the extra investment we’ve been given this summer to then trade that off by selling players.

‘That’s a good spot to be in, not having the necessity to sell, but also being aware that, if the right thing comes up, it is a conversation to be had.’

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