The Best Guide for the Portsmouth Area

Pompey News by Jack Preston

By Jack Preston jackprestonmedia@hotmail.co.uk

Portsmouth could move for transfer-listed Leeds United forward Billy Paynter, with Whites manager Neil Warnock believed to be willing to allow the striker to leave for nothing.

Paynter, who signed for then-newly promoted Leeds in 2010 after toasting an impressive 51 goals in 137 appearances for Swindon Town, has been unable to replicate his previous form, producing just three strikes in 24 outings for the Yorkshire side.

Now believed to be surplus to requirements at Leeds - who recently made Pompey captain Jason Pearce their first addition of the summer transfer window - the 27 year-old striker may be forced to forge a career elsewhere, with the Blues understood to be interested in Paynter.

Chris Maguire has been put up for sale by Derby County, although his price-tag could prevent the former Pompey loanee from making a Fratton Park return.

Maguire, who scored three times during his 10-game tenure with Pompey last season, is understood to have been made available by his parent club, who value the striker in the region of £400,000.

The two-time Scotland International will be fondly remembered by Pompey supporters for his equaliser in a 2-2 draw away to rivals Southampton, although the club's financial woes may deny them from being one of the suitors for Maguire.

Portsmouth's youth revolution has gained momentum with academy products Ashley Harris and Dan Butler being offered professional terms by the recently relegated club.

Harris, 18, was integrated into the first-team towards the latter stages of last season, making five appearances for the Blues, while Butler captained the academy side for the term, recording 26 appearances.

If both agree terms, as expected to, the pair will join fellow teammates Dan Thompson, George Colson, Jed Wallace, Alex Grant, Sam Magri and Elliot Wheeler in turning professional, with the youthful contingent expected to be centric to manager Michael Appleton's plans for next season.

Former Werder Bremen striker Marko Futacs, who registered five goals in 30 appearances in his maiden year for Pompey, has also been offered a new deal to remain at Fratton Park for the upcoming League One campaign.

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