Sam Stone

Thu 6 April 2023 21:10, UK

Portsmouth CEO Andrew Cullen has revealed contract offers have been made to West Brom target Jay Mingi.

Mingi, 22, has been blighted by injury during the 2022/23 season and sees his Fratton Park deal come to a conclusion at the end of the season.

The Sun’s Alan Nixon revealed (Patreon, 19 December) that Mingi is being watched by the Baggies, along with Championship duo Birmingham and Huddersfield.

Cullen has since spoken out and insists he’s hopeful of an agreement with the former West Ham United youngster.

“Discussions remain ongoing and we are very, very hopeful we can get an agreement with Jay,” said the Portsmouth CEO (Portsmouth News, 6 April).

“Offers have been made to Jay and we’ll see where that takes us. As previously documented, we made the contract offer some time ago, before his injury.

“As one of our younger players, we wanted to look after him and take him to the next level.”

Potential

Mingi has been blighted by injury but he certainly has potential. The 22-year-old is a dynamic midfielder who can carry the ball in possession. Furthermore, due to his contract situation and age, this could be an astute deal for the Baggies to look into.

With financial issues clouding The Hawthorns, it’s essential the board are astute when it comes to their transfer business and Mingi would be a low-risk move. Another midfielder will be required in the summer with Jake Livermore reaching the back end of his career.

Mingi could be signed for next to nothing (possible compensation fee) and sold for profit in three or four years’ time. It’s a route the club need to start looking at, particularly if they aren’t going to be able to splash the cash in the upcoming transfer windows.

This could well be one to keep an eye on in the summer, particularly if the Pompey midfielder doesn’t commit his future to the South Coast side.

In other West Brom news, Yokuslu sent a social media message to the Albion fans after their disappointing 0-0 draw against Millwall.