Portsmouth boss reveals latest over exit for Fratton favourite ahead of Leeds United opener

The Pompey boss is adamant a loan departure for the fans’ favourite is not currently being considered, after an impressive pre-season for the defender.

Towler is a serious consideration to start in the Blues’ Championship return at Elland Road this weekend against the title favourites.

That’s after just three League One starts for the 22-year-old last term, following his arrival from Bristol City at the start of last year.

Tom McIntyre’s hamstring injury and Regan Poole’s long-term knee issue leaves Conor Shaughnessy and Towler as the main central defensive options, with Jordan Williams and Connor Ogilvie the other players who can operate in the middle.

Towler has earned praise for his conditioning in pre-season and has caught the eye in warm-up games, including scoring an outrageous long-range effort in the win at Hawks.

Pompey were keen to explore a development loan for Towler this summer, in the event of more limited playing time this season.

The popular figure has shut down that notion, however, with Mousinho confirming he’s currently firmly part of his Pompey first-team thinking.

Mousinho said: ‘Ryley’s come back in good shape and has looked good in pre-season.

‘Ryley was very, very unlucky to only start those three games last season. When he played, he played well and he was always a credit to himself in and around the place.

‘For him to come in and have a really good pre-season gives him a chance and an opportunity to stake his claim.

‘There will be no loan for Ryley at the moment.

‘At the back end of last season where we thought if he didn’t get the requisite number of minutes this year to develop, it would be one we would have to look at.

‘At the moment, Ryley has come back in really good shape and is pushing for a place in the starting line-up.’