LATEST: Portsmouth boss reveals position on January exit for Ronan Curtis after Blackburn Rovers, Preston North End and Hibernian summer links

And that will keep the door ajar for a January departure for the Republic of Ireland international, as he enters the final six months of his existing agreement.

The Blues boss explained he would consider an exit for Curtis in the winter window, if clubs make a move for the 26-year-old.

Curtis has been linked with a host of his sides in his four years at Fratton Park, since arriving from Derry City.

Championship outfits Blackburn and Preston along with Scottish outfit Hibs were some of the more recent to be mooted, with there also interest on the continent.

Curtis could be free to agree a pre-contract with teams outside of the English game in the new year, but the winger told The News last night that’s not an avenue he’s looking to go down.

He revealed, however, he’s not yet been contacted by Pompey in terms of extending his time at PO4.

Curtis has bagged six goals so far this term to take his Blues total to 56 finishes from 214 appearances, making him the club’s top marksman of the 21st century.

Cowley explained that goal threat will always make him a useful part of his squad, but the club’s position is to always push for a return on any of their players.

He said: ‘There’s no change from the summer, really (on the club’s position over Curtis). We’re just open-minded, so we’ll see how that unfolds.

‘Ronan will always give his all in terms of his work ethic.

‘He’s a physical, robust player.

‘His number in terms of goals and assists have always been at the top of the league, certainly in his position.

‘But we also understand that no matter how important a player is to us, if a player is going to become out of contract then we are a business.

‘Our preference will be to not let an asset leave the club for free.’

Cowley will look to engineer some space in his playing budget next month when the transfer window opens.

One way to do is to see the loans who who arrived last summer replaced, with five temporary additions at Pompey.

Contracted players moving on is another viable avenue to travel, and could potentially generate some kind of fee as well as freeing up wages.

Curtis falls into that category, with players like Kieron Freeman and Ryan Tunnicliffe also linked with exits.

Cowley added: ‘That’s natural (to look to work space in the playing budget). That’s always the situation and we understand that.

‘So for us it’s to achieve the best value for money we can.’