No transfer request from Pompey winger Kyle Bennett

KYLE BENNETT will not be heading out of the Pompey exit door.
Kyle Bennett. Picture: Joe PeplerKyle Bennett. Picture: Joe Pepler
Kyle Bennett. Picture: Joe Pepler

Chief executive Mark Catlin has denied rumours the winger handed in a transfer request.

He has also insisted the Blues have not received bids for Bennett or any other players at this stage.

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Adam Webster yesterday completed his move to Ipswich, with defender Matt Clarke moving in the other direction.

But as it stands no other departures from Paul Cook’s squad are imminent.

Catlin has not been aware of any transfer talk surrounding Bennett.

He insisted he has not heard anything about the former Doncaster man seeking a move after just over a year at Fratton Park.

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‘No, none that I’m aware of,’ said Catlin, when asked if Bennett had handed in a transfer request.

‘No players have indicated they want to leave and we have had no offers from any other clubs.’

Bennett joined Pompey on May 21, 2015, when he signed a two-year deal and became Cook’s first signing.

He had a fantastic start to his career at Fratton Park, scoring twice on his debut in the 3-0 win against Dagenham.

He also set up the other goal for Gareth Evans.

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On that day, Bennett received a standing ovation when he was substituted.

But some sections of the Fratton faithful questioned his displays since then.

Cook, however, showed great faith in the player who at his best tormented opposition defences in League Two.

Six times he was named Star Man by The News after matches.

He was only second to Michael Doyle, who WON that accolade eight times.

Bennett also recorded 11 assists for the Blues last season.

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His contribution clearly was significant as Cook’s team earned a place in the play-offs.

Meanwhile, no bids have so far been lodged for Pompey attacking trio Adam McGurk, Kal Naismith and Matt Tubbs.

Cook put them up for sale at the end of last season after the Blues missed out on promotion via the play-offs.

But Catlin stated the Blues have not received any offers so far.

He added: ‘There has been nothing, zero.

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‘We have genuinely not had any interest for any of our players and that is fair enough.’

Naismith scored three times in 22 appearances for Pompey last season, while McGurk managed six goals in 36 outings.

Tubbs spent time on loan at Eastleigh and has not played for the Blues since the end of October 2015.

The door is not closed on them at Fratton Park, though.

Catlin has insisted all three could still play their way into Cook’s plans for next season if no suitable deals can be struck with other clubs.