Not only is Paul Cook said to be ‘fuming’ over claims he would be interested in talking to Wigan he is ‘desperate to remain’ at Pompey, according to the News.
Currently in the Algarve, the News has already reported he couldn’t be reached for comment on the Wigan rumours. Then again this same report later said Cook had ‘politely declined’ to talk about these links to his former club – however, claims at the weekend Cookie held an interest in speaking to the Latics do not hold much truth.
In the meantime chief executive Mark Catlin has confirmed negotiations had opened with the Pompey boss and his faithful sidekick Leam Richardson over extended deals, which currently run until the end of next season.
Catlin said: ‘Paul has made it clear in the last few weeks that both Leam and himself are keen to extend their stay at the club and we are currently in negotiations over new contracts. It is not something that should be played out in public. Paul is contracted to the club for another year, as is Leam, and talks are ongoing.’
Adding: ‘We have never made any secret of the fact how highly-regarded Paul is by everyone at the club – and from Paul’s consistent statements he seems to enjoy it here. As far as I am aware, he wants to stay at this football club and, as of this moment, there have been no official approaches made whatsoever. There is no time frame. We are trying to retain the services of players that are out of contract and, in conjunction, trying to work on deals for Paul and Leam, it’s no more complicated than that.’
The News went on to say Cookie, understandably in fairness, is looking for some assurances of Pompey’s commitment to him through a new deal and approached the board about these talks ahead of going to the Algarve.
Cookie’s stock has risen due to his exploits at Chesterfield previously and his leading Pompey to the League Two title, but his intention to stay at Fratton Park hasn’t changed – as had been made clear recently.
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