Pompey policy

Portsmouth boss Kenny Jackett has dropped his interest in Birmingham City forward Viv Solomon-Otabor, writes Shane Ireland.

The 23-year-old spent the second half of the last season on loan at Fratton Park, making 10 appearances as Pompey made it to the League One play-offs before losing to Sunderland in the semi-final.

Jackett is building for another promotion bid next season but Solomon is not a part of his plans despite suggestions that an approach to Blues could be forthcoming.

The Portsmouth News report that the south coast side are ready to look elsewhere now that Solomon has been offered a new contract to stay at St Andrew’s.

His current deal is set to expire and with Blues having put a fresh one-year agreement on the table, the academy product is assessing his options.

Butland latest

Aston Villa are favourites to sign Jack Butland – and Birmingham City will get a slice of the pie if they sign the goalkeeper from Stoke City.

Villa are keen to upgrade their options in a number of positions after winning promotion to the Premier League and a new number one is understood to be part of the club’s transfer plans.

Butland is under contract at Stoke until 2021 but after one season out of the top flight, is keen to underpin his international position by returning to the top level.

The 26-year-old joined Stoke from Blues in January 2013 for £3.5m and St Andrew’s chiefs inserted a sell-on clause in that deal.

It is understood Blues will bank around 20 per cent of any profit the Potters make on Butland - and that would come as a welcome boost with Stoke demanding over £20m to sanction a sale.

What's happening at Blues?

Hart news

Stoke City are set to launch a bid for ex-Blues stopper Joe Hart.

The Potters are eyeing the former England international as a potential replacement for Butland.

Hart is currently at Burnley, but is expected to leave this summer, after becoming his side’s third choice stopper.

Meanwhile Championship rivals Millwall have placed a £2.5m bid for Portsmouth winger Jamal Lowe.

According to the Mirror, Lowe is keen to depart Fratton Park after his side failed to secure promotion last season.

The bid is believed to be the second the Lions have placed for the 24-year-old, who is also reportedly wanted by Wigan Athletic.

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