Wilson reiterates his future is with Pompey

He said it towards the end of last season and now, with the new season approaching fast, Marc Wilson has again, speaking to The News, pledged his future to Pompey.

Wilson knows of interest from premier league clubs, with Fulham and Newcastle 'said' to be interested, although he has again made it clear that he is happy at Fratton and wants to stay: 'my objective is to play as many games as I can and do as well as I can.

'I want to do that at Pompey and I still see my future at Pompey. I've said before, I love it down here. It's my seventh year and I want to stay here.'

If the guy wants to stay then I am MORE than happy with that as I am a big fan of his and think that he would have a fantastic season for us at this level, that is not to say that I do not think he can play at a higher level, as I do.

Clearly a defensive midfield position is one that he is more suited to, and in all honesty this benefits us more as it enables his offensive qualities to be utilised as well, so all being well he can play in such a position this season - that said given our numbers, or lack of, it could well be a case of 'needs must' with him used almost anywhere along the back line, or across midfield as he could quite literally fill any of these areas.

Playing at a 'higher level' is something that he wants to do again, he admits as much, but taking his time before this happens is something he is more than willing to do: 'the higher the division you can go, the better players you play with and the better player you are going to make yourself. That holds the key, to be honest.

'I'm not in a rush, though, I'm only 22. Obviously, it would be lovely if Pompey were still in the Premier League.

'It's not the case, so I just have to get on with it. But at this moment in time I am happy here.'

It goes without saying that the club 'probably' would be happy to offload him if a decent offer comes in, but all being well others can go first - not that they seem to be - and he gets his wish...

One player that has now 100% gone is Papa Bouba Diop.

His departure was confirmed on The Pompey Site yesterday afternoon with David Lampitt saying: 'we thank Papa for his contribution to Pompey and wish him the very best for the future.'

Papa has joined AEK Athens for an undisclosed fee.

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