Pompey snap up youth pair

Portsmouth have signed teenagers Paris Cowan-Hall and Callum Reynolds from Blue Square Premier Division side Rushden & Diamonds.

Last season Cowan-Hall had two trials at Chelsea and also a week-long spell at Manchester United but Pompey have made their move, paying undisclosed compensation to the non-league club for the 16-year-old striker and his 17-year-old team-mate.

“We offered a two-year scholarship to Paris last season which he decided to decline. This then left him free to sign for another club subject to compensation being payable,” said Rushden & Diamonds club secretary Matt Wild.

“After much hype surrounding the player we agreed terms with Portsmouth this week leaving the player free to sign for them.”