Exclusive:Portsmouth Q&A with Jordan Cross: Milovanović, Pepple & Bishop, Abu Kamara latest and transfer valuations of prized assets
Our latest Pompey Q&A lands today with a transfer focus as we look at the striker situation this summer. The Blues’ interest in Abu Kamara is under the microscope, along with how much Pompey could expect to land for their prized assets.
When do you think Marezi will actually be official? @LittleNoahhhh
Is it true about the Plymouth striker Pepple? If it is, is it between him and Marko or Pompey want both. @AlanRay1169790
Will we sign both Marezi and Pepple and therefore sell Bishop? @David_Winter123
I guess there’s only one place to start. As much as it’s positive to reflect on the landmark arrival of Rocco Shein this week, it’s also natural for people to want to ask “what’s next?”.
The first thing to say about Marko Milovanović is everything remains in order to announce his signing. The fee is agreed with UD Almeria, which is believed could reach €5m with add-ons, and the personal terms are sorted with the big Serb.
It’s been three-and-a-half weeks since The News first reported Pompey’s interest in the 22-year-old, so it’s normal for there to be some uneasiness over the announcement. That said, the club had no control on the story coming to light fairly early on, so it’s not like it’s taking any longer than any deal of this nature should.
There’s the need to sort work permits, visas, get international clearance and get people in the same place to do media work.
Something I’ve heard about the club over the past couple of years is they are particularly thorough when it comes to getting every single detail right in a contract. They are known for wanting to send documents back and forth and make amendments more than many clubs. That’s no bad thing in my book, but has frustrated one or two agents in the past!
Now on to the other parts of these questions.
In terms of Plymouth Argyle’s Aribim Pepple, yes there is interest from Pompey - but I detect perhaps not to the extent suggested in some quarters.
My esteemed colleague, Mark McMahon, has been all over this one - with his latest update today stating there’s been no renewed efforts to bring in the striker.
In terms of how that situation affects Colby Bishop, I think that’s a one which could move on as the window reaches a climax.
Ultimately, Pompey want two front-line strikers after their issues in that department last season, with Thomas Waddingham a third option and Makenzie Kirk going to Barnsley on loan this week.
John Mousinho has been diplomatic about Bishop’s position on the record, saying he wants to get him back to his best at Fratton Park next season.
Does that mean that Pompey wouldn’t consider a deal if Sheffield Wednesday came knocking and the move suited all parties? Of course not.
Milovanović is certainly coming to play, especially given the financial commitment from Pompey to the deal - and Bishop, at 29 and a senior figure, isn’t going to be happy with limited minutes.
Throw all that in the mix and you have a situation I feel will remain a live one towards the window’s climax.
Can we forget about Kamara yet? Gone very quiet in recent weeks… @jordy_drapes
Well, I’m certainly not prepared to give up on a Pompey homecoming for our League One title hero just yet!
The situation with Kamara is there’s quite possibly a deal to be done, but it’s all about the two clubs agreeing on valuation. I would not be surprised at all if they are a distance apart on that front at present.
The reports two years ago was Hull paid £3.5m to Norwich for Kamara, with the deal worth another £1m in add-ons. Now in the intervening period since that move has the winger done much to maintain or increase his market value? I’d suggest not.
A difficult first season saw Kamara score five goals, be publicly hauled over coals by his manager and his side stay up by the skin of their teeth. Then, last season, he was farmed out to Getafe in La Liga, where he played 13 times and was injured for four months.
So where does that leave his valuation now? Perhaps around £2.5m, to be speculative.
Hull’s urgency to sell players to make up a £6m profit and sustainability deficit has been offset by moving on Ivor Pandur to Rangers (£6m) and Aidon Shehu to Panathinaikos (£2.5m).
So now perhaps it’s a waiting game, but I know Pompey’s interest in Kamara has never wavered.
What would a team need to bid for Pompey to consider selling Terry Devlin or Segs? @peckham65Grant
Well, I guess the starting point with Devlin’s valuation has to be the £2m bid Pompey rejected from Wrexham in January.
Since then, Devlin’s stock has risen with his end-of-season success, widespread player of the season and international recognition.
With two years to go on his contract I think you have to be looking at a valuation in the region of £4m.
What hasn’t happened yet, however, is for Wrexham to renew their interest. Obviously it remains to be seen if that changes, as they’re linked with veteran right-back Seamus Coleman.
When it comes to Segecic, I’ve repeatedly heard £4-5m mentioned as a figure which would get Pompey’s attention.
That would prove a huge profit 12 months on from paying approximately £250,000 to Sydney FC for the attacker.
That said, and I’ve written a story to this extent, Segecic is loving life at Pompey, settled in the area and looking towards next season.
So I don’t really see him moving on at the moment , though it could well be a different story for Devlin as and when interest comes.
Do you think Bursik will be leaving? If Pompey are signing this Polish keeper is he seen as competition or a replacement? @RhysPrichard1
We’ll wrap this week’s Q&A with this question from Rhys. This is a subject I spoke about on this week’s Pompey Talk, if you want to give it a listen.
I’m guessing the question is framed around reports of Daniel Bielica being set to arrive from Dutch side NAC Breda.
That would get Pompey up to the four keepers John Mousinho likes to work with for training purposes.
With Toby Steward continuing his development with another season with St Johnstone, that leaves Nicolas Schmid, Josef Bursik and Ben Killip in the building with the new boy.
Bursik showed his aptitude across 11 appearances last season, but I think he came in with eyes open in that Schmid was the established No1.
He’s also not due to be back from the quad injury until September, which is another consideration in terms of him moving on.
I have a feeling Pompey will name three keepers in their 25-man squad, with a fourth deregistered but staying like Jordan Archer last season.