TWTD understands that Blues striker Brett Pitman is close to joining League One Portsmouth.

As revealed in May, the 29-year-old, along with midfielder Kevin Bru, was told he can find a new club over the summer having been in and out of the starting XI for much of his two years at Portman Road. It’s understood there is no fee involved.

A return to the south coast - he has had two spells with AFC Bournemouth - would seem ideal for the Jersey-born striker, who has a year left on his Town contract, although it was understood he was keen to stay in the Championship.

Pitman joined the Blues on a free transfer from the Cherries in the summer of 2015 at the same time that Tyrone Mings moved to Dean Court and Ryan Fraser signed for Town on a season-long loan.

The 6ft tall frontman was the Blues’ top scorer with 11 goals in his first season at the club, while last term he netted only four. Overall he made 42 starts and 28 sub appearances for Town.

Last week manager Mick McCarthy revealed that the Blues had received interest from a club wanting to sign one of his players on a permanent basis.

After the 5-0 friendly win at Drogheda on Saturday, in which Pitman netted the first goal, he added: “We’ll wait until we get back and see if it goes any further.”

Pitman’s probable exit will mean the Blues are likely to step up their moves to bring in another striker.

McCarthy said a fortnight ago that Town are "going to have to lose some before we go around signing too many others" with the one-time Bristol City man understood to be one of the higher earners at the club.

Meanwhile, we understand the Blues have ended their interest in former loanee Ryan Tunnicliffe, who is a free agent having left Fulham at the end of last season.

Having signed Emyr Huws and Tom Adeyemi in recent weeks it’s likely Town boss McCarthy feels he is now well covered for senior central midfielders.

Photo: TWTD

cat added 11:03 - Jul 13 Another one protentally bites the dust, the Dino better start getting some more players in otherwise we are fecked!! Unless of course this season excuse will be the 'small squad', he can't really hide behind the limited budget again!!!
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Bluebell added 11:07 - Jul 13 I'm sad to see him go but I usually am when a player who has been with us a while leaves. Perhaps that's a female thing. I wish him well at Pompey. I am sure he will be getting a lot of goals for them.
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TR11BLU added 11:08 - Jul 13 Fell out with Dino so only result here...the wrong one. Good finisher and Pompey will reap the benefit. As someone already bsaid, worth a few quid on top scorer Lge 1. Dino out
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Cakeman added 11:39 - Jul 13 I think Pitman was unfortunate in that in the past he was very successful when he received service from the flanks. As we have virtually played with no wingers since Pitman has been with us he could never play to his strength of finishing the crosses. Pompey should suit him fine. Good luck for the future Brett.
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carsey added 12:04 - Jul 13 Portsmouth style will suit him.
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yungblue added 12:09 - Jul 13 Vey skilful player, knows where the back of the net is. He will score goals in that division, surprised he's dropped a league at 29. But good luck to him.
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jas0999 added 12:47 - Jul 13 We will need to sign a replacement on a permanent deal. Selling our own and bringing in a loan is not building a squad. The squad still looks weak and with Moore and now Pitman leaving, we need reenforcements and replacements for both. Midfield still doesn't shout goals. Huws was with us last season so isn't really a new signing. Defence also needs some work.
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brian_a_mul added 12:51 - Jul 13 Pits is a good striker but the wages he is probably on and considering he will be a bit-part player (for what ever reasons), it makes sense to move him on and free up the wages for a player that will be first teamer. Didz, Sears, Garner are good and very mobile groupp. Pits may not fit the style we need to compliment this group i.e. a physical hold up player capable of receiving and retaining the ball in advanced areas. I would see Garner as a direct replacement/upgrade for Pits in the squad. Best of luck Pits, hope you can be successful in your next club.

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algarvefan added 13:41 - Jul 13 I do wish we could delay players going until a suitable replacement is found. I like him and think he is a good impact sub, needs game time though.
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TimmyH added 14:59 - Jul 13 Pitman did score some important goals the first full season here but to me other than the goals he did little on the pitch, he really is the sort of player who needs creativity around him to thrive and other than Lawrence there were very little creativeness on the pitch last season and he's been made he scape goat. All the best at Portsmouth...should do a job there at that level.

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allezlesbleus added 15:33 - Jul 13 He will do well there. Never really given a proper chance with us.
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blueblood66 added 16:58 - Jul 13 Created and scored goals when given the chance, sad to see him go
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 18:55 - Jul 13 Obviously blotted his copybook with Mick, failing "proper bloke" status test. Expect him to do quite well at Pompey and wish him luck. I don't really understand this getting in players of average ability and then letting them go on a free. No one likes to be considered a "feeder club," but wouldn't it make much better financial sense to splash the cash on some serious young talent and have the option of cashing in on them later. Marcus?

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Taricco_Fan added 21:49 - Jul 13 Fantastic signing for Portsmouth. A Championship-level striker in League One for a team that likes to play good football. All the best, Brett.
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