There is growing optimism at Portsmouth that the League One side can lure Marlon Pack back to his former club despite the interest from Bristol City.
Bristol Live confirmed the former Robin midfielder was one of the options being considered by Nigel Pearson as he looks to make a new signing in the middle of the park this summer. Pack is leaving Cardiff on a free transfer on July 1.
A return back to Pompey, where he came through the youth ranks but was unable to make a sustained first-team breakthrough, has always been an attractive proposition for Pack despite being forced to drop down a division. The 31-year-old is a regular visitor to the south coast as he still has family in the city.
According to the Portsmouth News, there is a belief that progress is being made in relation to Pack with Danny Cowley eager to bring him in to help with their push to the Championship, with the midfielder wanting to join a side with ambitions of promotion to the second tier.
Shrewsbury have also shown an interest with manager Steve Cotterill eager to reunite with Pack having worked with him as Bristol City manager for three seasons. However, they are one of the outsiders for promotion leaving their chances of signing him slim.
With the Robins, although geographically a move would suit Pack, he won't be assured first-team football but is likely to have a big factor in his final decision.
Portsmouth's confidence in signing their former player likely means City will conclude the contract extension for Andy King within the coming week. Bristol Live understands the two parties are getting closer to signing a new deal.
King's current contract expires at the end of the month and has been offered a new deal as a player/coach role with injuries limiting the 33-year-old to just 10 Championship starts last season. He is eyed as a hugely influential figure in the Robins dressing room particularly in helping the younger crop of City players coming through such as Dylan Kadji and Josh Owers.
He was also involved in pre-season training on Monday further suggesting he is likely to stay, although, of course, it would also represent the opportunity to keep fit if he was planning on a final swansong elsewhere.
City are still in the market for a new defensive midfielder with Andy Rinomhota among the options having yet to sign a contract extension at Reading. Although he was spotted among the Reading players as they returned to pre-season this week.
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