Danny Cowley shares Paul Downing transfer update after Portsmouth’s cup defeat to Cambridge | OneFootball

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Football League World

·12 January 2022

Danny Cowley shares Paul Downing transfer update after Portsmouth’s cup defeat to Cambridge

Article image:Danny Cowley shares Paul Downing transfer update after Portsmouth’s cup defeat to Cambridge

Portsmouth head coach Danny Cowley has revealed that Paul Downing is set to leave the club on loan this month.

The centre-back was not included in Pompey’s squad for their EFL Trophy showdown with Cambridge United yesterday due to the fact that a temporary deal has been agreed with an unnamed side.


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Doncaster Rovers, Stevenage and Cheltenham Town have all recently been touted as potential suitors for Downing.

In the defender’s absence last night, Portsmouth were eliminated from this competition by the U’s who claimed a 2-1 victory at the Abbey Stadium.

Harvey Knibbs opened the scoring for Cambridge in the 50th minute as he fired past Pompey goalkeeper Alex Bass.

The 22-year-old then doubled his side’s advantage by netting his fifth goal of the season.

Whilst Michael Jacobs halved Portsmouth’s deficit in the 76th minute, Cowley’s side were unable to find an equaliser as Cambridge booked their place in the quarter-final of the competition.

Following the clash, Cowley admitted that Downing was not selected for this fixture due to the fact that he is on the verge of sealing a loan move to another club.

Speaking to Hampshire Live about the defender, the Pompey boss said: “Paul Downing wasn’t in the squad today because there has been a deal agreed I believe with another club to take him on loan and that will hopefully be announced in due course.

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Article image:Danny Cowley shares Paul Downing transfer update after Portsmouth’s cup defeat to Cambridge

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The Verdict

When you consider that Downing has struggled to make inroads on Portsmouth’s starting eleven in recent months, it is hardly a surprise that he is set to leave the club on a temporary basis.

During the current campaign, the 30-year-old has only featured on four occasions in all competitions due to the presence of Sean Raggett, Kieron Freeman and Connor Ogilvie who have been regularly utilised at centre-back by Cowley.

By featuring week-in, week-out for another team, Downing could potentially revitalise his career which has stalled during his spell at Fratton Park.

When you consider that the defender’s contract is set to expire this summer, he may have already played his final game for Portsmouth as the club could be prepared to let him depart on a permanent basis following the culmination of the 2021/22 season.

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