Conor Chaplin sparked Josh Murphy exit fears but Leicester City offers were ‘nowhere near’ Portsmouth ace

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Portsmouth achieved one of the signings of deadline day by signing Conor Chaplin on loan from Ipswich Town.

Chaplin, who joined Pompey at the age of six before departing for Coventry City on loan in 2018 and permanently in 2019, was a shock departure for the Tractor Boys, alongside defender Luke Woolfenden, who has signed for the Sky Blues.

Another huge boost for the south coast club on deadline day was fan favourite Josh Murphy staying at Fratton Park despite interest from Leicester City.

While Chaplin’s return sparked celebrations in Hampshire, some Pompey fans wondered whether that meant Murphy was on his way out. Luckily for the Fratton Park faithful, their academy product’s return came with no drawbacks – and it turns out Leicester weren’t close to taking Murphy away.

Leicester City’s initial fee ‘nowhere near’ Portsmouth’s valuation for Josh Murphy

According to football reporter Chris Wise, Leicester City’s initial fee for Murphy was ‘nowhere near’ what Pompey would have ‘entertained’.

The 30-year-old has been at the club for just one season, but was a key cog in John Mousinho’s side’s first campaign back in the second tier.

The ex-Oxford ace has played 45 games for Pompey, scoring seven and grabbing 15 assists – including 21 Championship goal contributions last term.

Mousinho had made it clear with the transfer window deadline looming that his impressive forward wasn’t for sale.

Pompey fans can now breathe a sigh of relief knowing Murphy and Chaplin will both be available for them now.

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How will Conor Chaplin fit into Portsmouth’s team?

Chaplin, who played 122 games for Pompey before leaving for Coventry, will offer another useful attacking threat to the Championship side.

Colby Bishop has been starting up top for Mousinho, while Murphy, Adrian Segecic and Florian Bianchin have been just behind.

Returner Chaplin could play behind Bishop instead of Segecic, moving the Socceroos star out to the wing with Murphy on the other side.

The Pompey academy product played behind Ipswich striker George Hirst in the 2-2 draw against Derby at the weekend.

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