Portsmouth to admit defeat in their pursuit of Millwall's Ben Thompson

The Blues’ concerted pursuit of the Millwall midfielder looks likely to come up short as the hours tick down to the transfer deadline.

The Lions’ hunt for a suitable successor to the 25-year-old has hit a brick wall, meaning they will block his exit from The Den.

Brighton’s Jayson Molumby was the man Millwall boss Gary Rowett was keen to bring in after a successful loan spell last term.

But the promising Republic of Ireland international isn’t keen on another loan stint in south east London.

And that development is the stumbling block to giving the green light to allow Thompson to move out.

Pompey started the day believing the deal was firmly in the balance and could have gone either way, but hope is diminishing as the hours pass.

Unless there’s a dramatic late change in events, Thompson will stay put with his childhood club despite his lack of playing time there this season.

The news leaves Pompey to focus elsewhere on their shopping list of targets, with the cut-off to bolster their squad being 5pm tomorrow evening.

Kenny Jackett remains in the market for the creative midfielder they believe they are short of, along with some young attacking pace.

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