Peterborough United show keen  interest in  Released Portsmouth pair

Pompey dismissed a talented pair who had been drawing interest from the Championship and League One.

Brian Quarm and Bastian Smith were among the 11 second-year scholars who were informed in March that they had not been awarded professional opportunities.

Quarm, a former Fulham right-back, has made one appearance for the Blues’ first team, coming off the bench in October 2022.

That was a Papa Johns Trophy match versus Aston Villa Under-21s, and Danny Cowley’s side won 5-0.

Quarm is now looking for his next challenge, having just completed a two-week trial with Millwall’s under-21 squad.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Smith has been trialling at Peterborough after playing 17 games for Pompey’s Academy this season.

He, like Quarm, was left on the bench for the Blues’ 3-3 draw with Fulham Under-21s in the EFL Trophy in August 2023. He was also a substitute in the same competition’s 3-0 victory over Stevenage in December 2022, but he has never played for the first team.

Several of Pompey’s released second-year scholars have gone on trial, notably Sam Folarin (Ipswich) and Harvey Laidlaw (Colchester).

Destiny Ojo, a third-year scholar, has studied at Colchester and Burnley. It remains to be seen whether any of the young players will be given a second chance in the Football League after leaving Fratton Park.

The Blues do not have an under-21 team, but other teams are constantly looking for young talent to fill development squads, which brings Pompey’s graduates to their attention. The Academy’s season ended earlier this month with a 1-0 loss to a young Gosport in the Portsmouth Cup.