Portsmouth winger Jamal Lowe appears to have dropped a massive hint that he could be leaving the club this summer.
The 24-year-old has been one of Kenny Jackett’s best players this season. He netted 16 goals and contributed eight assists throughout the campaign.
Lowe was involved in Pompey’s League One play-off semi-final second leg against Sunderland last night. He came on as a substitute for Viv Solomon-Otabor early in the second half.
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Lowe was unable to help his side overturn their first leg deficit at Fratton Park. This has denied Pompey the opportunity of securing Championship football for next season.
He’ll be bitterly disappointed to miss out on a second trip to Wembley after they won the Checkatrade Trophy earlier this season.
‘Of course I do’
The versatile forward spoke to Portsmouth News after the game, and has suggested that a move away could be on the cards.
When questioned on whether he has ambitions to play at a higher level, he said: “Of course I do (want to play in the Championship). We all do.
“I personally do, but that’s a thing for next season now.”
(Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
According to the Nottingham Post, the winger was on Martin O’Neill’s radar a couple of months ago. It remains to be seen whether or not the Reds reignite their interest in the player. They are certainly in need of more attacking options.
The Reds won’t be the only side interested in securing his services. According to Portsmouth News, West Bromwich Albion, Middlesbrough and Leeds United are all monitoring his situation. If that’s the case, a bidding war could well take place.
Despite all the rumours, Lowe is looking to take some time off to get over his play-off heartbreak.
He said: “I need to get over this defeat. That’s it really.
“I normally hear it all from the press. The talk is one of those things. If you’re doing okay rumours start flying about.
“There’s nothing there at the moment. Unless there’s something concrete you brush it off.”
Space
O’Neill doesn’t currently have a lot of wide options in his squad. This is surprising considering he has a 32-man squad at his disposal. The likes of Joe Lolley, Matty Cash and Ben Osborn have been the main sources of width this season. But it’s fair to say they need to improve in that area to challenge for promotion.
(Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
Whilst Lolley enjoyed a phenomenal season, the Forest boss will probably be on the lookout for at least one other quality winger.
There’s no doubt that Lowe would fall into that category. The Reds don’t have anyone like him in the current squad. He would certainly help provide more of a threat going forward next season.