'There'll be a lot of interest' - Portsmouth face 'battle' to keep hold of star performer and Wrexham transfer target Terry Devlin
Pompey’s resolve to keep hold of player of the year Terry Devlin will be tested in the summer, according to The News’ Neil Allen
Pompey face a battle to keep hold of Terry Devlin in the close season.
That’s the verdict of The News’ Neil Allen, who believes the recently-crowned Pompey player of the year will have a host of clubs keen to lure him away from Fratton Park during the summer transfer window.
The 22-year-old Northern Ireland international was the subject of a reported failed £2m bid from Championship rivals Wrexham in back January.
Speculation last month claimed the Dragons remained keen on the full-back, who had to wait until Phil Parkinson’s side visit to PO4 in early November to make his first start for the Blues this term.
However, Allen is off the opinion that the play-off-chasing Welsh outfit won’t be the only ones interested in the former Glentoran midfielder come the end of the campaign.
Devlin’s stock has continued to soar after making the Blues’ right-back berth his own following that call-up to the starting XI in the autumn. Consistently high performances, his eye for spectular goals, and eye-catching showings on the international stage means the Dungannon-born defender has generated a lot of admirers.
And while Pompey will loathe to lose a player of his ability and promise, The News’ chief sports writer believes the Blues’ resolve to keep hold of their £70,000 capture from Irish League football in 2023 is about to be tested.
Pompey could well have a battle to keep Terry Devlin
Allen was asked about Devlin’s future after his season was cut short by injury during Saturday’s 1-0 win over Leicester at Fratton Park.
Just days after collecting a trio of gongs at Pompey’s end-of-season awards night, the Ulsterman was in tears as he was forced to leave the pitch with a hamstring injury within the first 15 minutes.
His reaction to being withdrawn prompted some to believe the game against the Foxes could prove to be Devlin’s last at Fratton Park.
Allen admitted he wasn’t entirely sure about the context behind Devlin’s emotions as he headed for the medical room for further treatment.
However, he’s convinced there’ll be plenty of interest in his services come the summer.
‘He’s not an emotional lad, normally. He’s very level-headed, very focused,’ said Allen on the latest episode of Pompey Talk.
‘I don't know (if it’s going to be his last game). We saw Ebou Adams very emotional after QPR and some people said he was out for the season. But we saw him play, come on as a sub, didn't we, on Saturday.
‘But without a doubt there'll be clubs in for him (Devlin) in the summer.
‘They (Pompey) turned down a £2m bid from Wrexham and, presumably, they'll be back.
‘There'll be a lot of interest this summer in Terry Devlin, 22-year-old, outstanding talent, huge future ahead of him.
‘And Pompey could well have a battle to keep him.’
What Terry Devlin has previously said about his Pompey future
Devlin has another two years remaining on his Pompey contract, after signing fresh terms at the beginning of 2025.
Meanwhile, in February, he distanced himself from reports Wrexham had seen a £2m offer for him rejected.
He told The News: ‘There's nothing I can really do about that (the links), there are people in place to deal with that, it’s nothing to do with me really.
‘My full focus is on Pompey and finishing the season strongly. You obviously see things (about transfer links), but my full focus is on Pompey.
‘That’s all I was thinking about, the next game, West Brom and getting ready for the Ipswich game, which was called off. I was fully focused on all of those games and I was ready to go.
‘I am contracted here, so all I can say at the minute is I’m a Pompey player. I absolutely love it here, I love the team, I love the lads, the coaching staff, the fans, the club.
‘I love everything about being here. That shows with my performances, I love battling for the badge - and I think the fans can see that.’
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