Kenny Jackett admits Portsmouth face wait to learn whether Christian Burgess wants Fratton Park stay

The popular central defender is out of contract at the end of next month, yet negotiations over a fresh deal have stalled.

According to Jackett, the 28-year-old has indicated he wishes to assess his options once the current campaign has finished.

SEE ALSO: Burgess has options – including clubs from the continent

The scenario is following a similar pattern to that of Nathan Thompson last year, with the right-back ultimately rejecting a contract in preference of walking away.

Nonetheless, Jackett is eager to retain Burgess – and is hoping the former Peterborough man will opt to stay at Fratton Park.

He said: ‘The dialogue between myself, Mark (Catlin) and Christian has been very good.

‘He knows he’s wanted at Pompey, he has known that all the way along, but similarly he has a right to wait and see exactly what his options are at the end of the season.

‘By the looks of it, he is trying to do that. He is certainly committed to this season with Pompey, however he will then assess his options in the summer.

‘Pompey will be one of those options definitely, but, as ever it will be his choice.

‘He has intimated to us that he is going to wait and see what his options are at that particular time and then make a choice.

‘If it’s to continue with Pompey, the door is very much open for him to do that. If he continues with us, that will be great.

‘If he decides it’s onto the next challenge we will be disappointed, but, similarly, we would wish him all the best and thank him for his service.’

Burgess has made 208 appearances and netted 12 times since joining the Blues in the summer of 2015.

He is currently enjoying his finest season at Fratton Park – emerging as a frontrunner for the customary end-of-season player awards.

Jackett added: ‘Last year Nathan (Thompson) also wanted to explore his avenues in the summer. We are in a similar situation where there was an offer on the table for him.

‘The dialogue has been good all the way through with Christian, he definitely knows he is wanted by myself. He is valued here.

‘If he gets to the end of the season and looks at the options and chooses Pompey, then great. Alternatively, if he decides to move on, we will be disappointed, but we understand.

‘I don’t have a gut instinct, particularly in these times, when it looks quite a tough decision at the moment. Certainly the landscape is different for all clubs.

‘Should the season restart, we can be sure that Christian will be committed.’

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