Pompey finalise Thomas move

In order to free up another loan slot, as we can only have 2 players on loan at a time, we have made Jerome Thomas' loan move from Charlton into a permanent one, with a 'small fee' being paid to Charlton if he plays a certain number of games.

By doing this we have opened the door to another loan signing arriving - maybe on Friday...

'If' you can have more than 1 player from anyone one club this 'might' see the door open on the rumoured Shaun Wright-Phillips loan? We have ruled out signing him, but did not rule out loaning him!

With the rumours intensifying that John Utaka will be returning to France, and with Harry Redknapp already stressing a need for a right-winger this could happen? Again, it all depends on what the rules are really and of course if Chelski will let him go!

This is what the Pompey Site said on the Thomas deal...

PLAY UP POMPEY!

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THOMAS DEAL MADE PERMANENT

Jerome Thomas' loan move to Pompey has been made permanent. The winger has signed a one-year contract with the Blues. Pompey will pay Charlton a small fee if Thomas plays a certain number of games.

The deal frees up Pompey to bring in another loan signing before the transfer window if needed.

Premier League clubs may have a maximum of two loan signings at a time.

With Ben Sahar already on loan from Chelsea, Pompey had filled their quota when Thomas arrived on loan from Charlton last week.

Blues chief executive Peter Storrie said: "It's a simple conversion from a loan deal to a permanent contract for a year. It frees up a loan space for us.

"Jerome could have been recalled by Charlton in January under the terms of his loan, but that's no longer a factor now his deal has been made permanent."

The 25-year-old made his Pompey debut when coming off the bench in the 4-0 opening-day defeat at Chelsea.

The former England under-21 international made 119 appearances for Charlton, scoring seven goals, after signing from Arsenal in 2004.

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