Interest is hotting up in Portsmouth centre-back Jack Whatmough ahead of the summer transfer window.

What's the talk?

That's according to a report by The News, who claim that Championship side Luton Town are seriously considering a move for the 24-year-old defender in the coming weeks, while Millwall are also credited with an interest.

The report goes on to claim that Danny Cowley desperately wants to keep hold of the former England U19 international this summer and has prioritised his re-signing over every other Portsmouth player - with the centre-back's current contract at Fratton Park due to expire at the end of June.

Big mistake

It is unsurprising to learn how eager the Pompey boss is to retain the services of Whatmough beyond the summer, as the defender proved a crucial part of the club's campaign this season.

Over the £113k-rated man's 34 League One appearances, he helped his side to keep 11 clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.1 interceptions, 1.6 tackles and 3.8 clearances per game, in addition to chipping in with two goals and providing one assist, culminating in a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.92 - ranking him as Portsmouth's joint seventh-best performer in the third tier.

As such, losing a player of the £3.1k-per-week 24-year-old's ability would undoubtedly come as a huge blow for Cowley, as the 42-year-old looks to build a squad capable of going one further than his side managed this time around and secure a play-off, or even an automatic, spot next season.

So, the former Huddersfield Town gaffer should be doing all he can to convince Whatmough - who has been at Portsmouth since he was 13 years of age - to remain at Fratton Park this summer, or else he risks making what could be the worst mistake of his Pompey career to date in letting one of the club's most prized possessions leave for nothing.

In other news: Catlin must sanction Pompey swoop for "rampaging" £7.5-p/w gem who Cowley would love - opinion