Pompey plan Atkinson conversation when time is right

Portsmouth are keen to bring defender Rob Atkinson back next season, but are in no rush to push a deal through.

Sporting director Richard Hughes told BBC Radio Solent that Pompey plan a conversation about the 26-year-old's future, but only after parent club Bristol City's Championship play-off campaign is over.

The defender made 14 league appearances, 13 of them starts, after arriving at Fratton Park on loan in January, and scored two precious goals against Derby last month to help keep the Blues away from trouble.

"We've loved having Rob, he's been brilliant and made a big impact," Hughes said. "He's Bristol City's player and we'll always be respectful of that.

"We'll probably have to let their season come to a natural conclusion and then there's a conversation to be had as to whether something works for everyone."

Hughes said "it's probably unlikely any other loanees return", adding: "They have all served purposes. I know Freddie Potts will want to test himself at the highest level. I spoke to Graham Potter… West Ham have been really pleased with his development.

"Adil Aouchiche and Isaac Hayden both came in in January and affected games in different ways and helped in that upturn in results post-January.

"We'll never say no but we're looking in a lot of different directions."

There are likely to be departures too, with Hughes admitting: "Some of them will have had a big impact on the team in the past two years but there are some players who need to go and play football, that's really important, for their development and to do the right thing.

"It's a natural evolution from going from a League One team to finishing in a relatively good position in the Championship. We want to keep getting better."

Hughes said he did not expect much movement on the transfer front until June and said Pompey would "take learnings" from signings which have not worked out, adding: "Players have to have an athletic profile, have to be able to handle the ball and have to be able to cope with the demands that John Mousinho's going to place on them.

"I think there'll be fewer players than we have seen in the last couple of summers. The board have always been open and respectful when we've put the right propositions in front of them. Invariably they have always backed us.

"We'll be looking to bring in some players who can affect the starting XI and better the club for the here and now but also the future."

Click here to listen to BBC Radio Solent's full interview with Richard Hughes.