"Really good bit of business" - Pundit backs Portsmouth in £500k Bolton Wanderers raid | OneFootball

Portsmouth are eyeing up a move for Bolton's Josh Dacres-Cogley who is said to be worth £500k this summer.

Portsmouth are preparing for life in the Championship under John Mousinho.

Pompey have returned to the second tier for the first time in 12 years after their impressive 2023/24 League One campaign culminated in a comfortable first place finish.

The Championship will prove to be an incredibly tough test for Portsmouth and Mousinho, but their preparations are well underway as they look to build a squad capable of remaining in the division come the end of the season.

Perhaps their most notable new signing so far this summer is winger Josh Murphy, twin brother of Newcastle's Jacob. The 29-year-old enjoyed a fantastic 2023/24 campaign as his 10 goals and six assists in all competitions helped Oxford United earn promotion to the second tier.

Murphy's performance in the League One play-off final caught the eye of many as he scored a brace in Oxford's 2-0 win over Bolton Wanderers at Wembley. His departure caused heartbreak at the Kassam Stadium, but as far as Portsmouth are concerned, it is an incredibly exciting move.

Pompey remain on the hunt for talented players to bring into their squad for next season, and they now have an experienced full-back on their radar.

Portsmouth target Bolton's Josh Dacres-Cogley

According to Alan Nixon via Patreon, Portsmouth are keen on securing a deal for right-back, Josh Dacres-Cogley. The 28-year-old made the League One team of the year last season through his impressive performances for Bolton, and is now receiving Championship interest after his side failed to earn promotion to the second tier.

Dacres-Cogley has spent just one season at Bolton after signing from Tranmere Rovers last summer, but he quickly became one of their standout performers.

He would no doubt be a superb signing for Mousinho's Pompey, but he does come with a £500k transfer fee set by Bolton, which may put off the League One champions.

The right-back role is one that may still need strengthening, despite the recent signing of Jordan Williams who can play in that position. Zak Swanson's contract expired this summer, so the club will certainly need to reinforce if they choose not to re-sign him.

Carlton Palmer offers his thoughts

While Portsmouth are very keen on signing Dacres-Cogley, the £500k fee that has been set by Bolton may dissuade them from furthering their pursuit. Former England international and current pundit, Carlton Palmer spoke exclusively to Football League World on the situation.

"It doesn't worry me that Pompey are targeting a player that was voted in the League One team of the season," Palmer explained. "He's 28 years old, he's experienced, he has played in the Championship before, but he hasn't got a lot of Championship appearances, and if he plays as well as he played in League One last season, then it's quite conceivable that he can step up and contribute."

"I think this would be a really, really good bit of business. Portsmouth have to get the balance between bringing in quality players on big money, because in the Championship the salaries are huge, and keeping that balance with the players that got you promotion. The first target is to remain in the Championship next season."