Portsmouth cash windfall incoming as former Charlton and West Ham youngster seals Stockport transfer

Former Pompey midfielder Jay Mingi has sealed a move to Stockport County, which guarantees the Blues a cash boost heading into the summer transfer window.

The 23-year-old has joined the League Two champions for an undisclosed fee from Colchester United and becomes manager Dave Challinor’s first signing of the close season as he sets about preparations for life in League One next season.

Last year, Pompey received around £30,000 in training compensation from the U’s when Mingi turned down the offer of a new Fratton Park contract and subsequently moved to the Jobserve Community Stadium last September. However, the Blues will receive further money for the player after ex-Blues boss Danny Cowley told The News earlier this month that a sell-on clause was included in the deal that took the former Charlton and West Ham youngster to Colchester.

Despite a lengthy spell on the sidelines because of a hamstring injury, Mingi impressed at the U’s and featured 28 times in all competitions. He enjoyed a strong second half of the season under Cowley and was often utilised at centre-back as Colchester finished the campaign in 22nd place to retain their Football League status.

Stockport clinched the League Two title with 92 points as they saw off the challenge of Wrexham and Mansfield. Challinor believes Mingi will prove a huge asset at Edgeley Park after penning a three-year deal.

He said: ‘Jay had a fantastic back end of the League Two season at Colchester and showed his versatility and intelligence, switching from a familiar central midfield role to a wide centre back, right back and right wing back at times.

‘We believe he has real potential to develop, whilst immediately having the physical characteristics of being front foot, aggressive and quick, which will allow him to flourish in League One as he has done previously. We are really looking forward to working with him and settling him into the squad from day one of pre-season.’

Mingi, who made 29 appearances for Pompey during his two seasons with the club, will join Stockport once the transfer window has opened subject to EFL approval.

Stockport’s director of Football, Simon Wilson, added: ‘Jay is a player we’ve known about for some time, who has always shown flashes of high potential, although without regular playing time you were unable to see it on a consistent basis.

‘That changed in the second half of the season where he excelled for Colchester, playing in a defensive role but with a real front foot approach which as supporters know, we like here at County.

‘We see the potential for him to support the team in 2-3 positions and with his age and athletic qualities, we believe he has the potential to play higher.’

Pompey are yet to announce any signings as they wait until the transfer window officially opens on June 14 before confirming any business.