Portsmouth boss: No bids for Leeds, Derby and Sheffield United-linked winger

Kenny Jackett has insisted Pompey have received no bids for Ronan Curtis.
Ronan Curtis. Picture: Joe PeplerRonan Curtis. Picture: Joe Pepler
Ronan Curtis. Picture: Joe Pepler

A report earlier this week suggested around 30 Premier League and Championship clubs had sent scouts to watch the winger this season.

Curtis has made a scintillating start to his Fratton Park career following his arrival from Derry City for an undisclosed fee in June.

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His six goals and five assists have helped fire Pompey to the summit of League One. 

Ronan Curtis. Picture: Joe PeplerRonan Curtis. Picture: Joe Pepler
Ronan Curtis. Picture: Joe Pepler

Curtis' rampant form has also earned him two call-ups to the Republic of Ireland senior squad.

Jackett admits he's not surprised teams have ran the rule over the fans' favourite '“ and believes it offers proof his side are doing well. 

But the boss is adamant no clubs have lodged an enquiry for Curtis.

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Jackett said: '˜We have not received any enquiries, we have not received any bids and that's where all the talking stops.

'˜When the bids come in they go to a board of directors at any club. But there hasn't been anything.

'˜He's been called up for his international squad. Last time he played for the under-21s but went back and trained with the full squad.

'˜We send probably six scouts every weekend and we're a League One club.

'˜I'm sure there are many clubs who watch Portsmouth.

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'˜If and when there is speculation about any of our players, in a way that's good because it perhaps means we're playing well and doing well.

'˜Most importantly, we're always looking to try to improve.

'˜We don't want to be letting our better players go if we can help it.

'˜There are situations when players go into their last year of their contract that make it difficult for the club, particularly if the player wants to leave.

'˜But for us, anyway, we're not looking to change too much in January.

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'˜We want to be strong and if we can tweak things or improve we will in January, but don't want to go into this window when we're in there competing getting any weaker.'

Jackett recognises Curtis will have ambitions to play in the Championship and Premier League in the future. 

But he knows the Republic of Ireland under-21 international remains fully committed to Pompey's League One promotion charge this season.

The manager added: '˜Everybody would want to play in the Championship, in the Premier League and represent their country.

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'˜They are ambitions everyone should have. There is always a crossover then between where you feel you are individually and your commitment to the team, because it is a team game.

'˜For Ronan, anyway, he's committed to the team and the club.

'˜He's fully focused on us and maintaining or improving our successful season.'