Portsmouth CEO Mark Catlin issues guarantee on Brentford-linked Ronan Curtis' future

The former Wolves man arrived on a two-year deal on Monday, reuniting him with former boss Kenny Jackett.

A right-footed winger who regularly operates on the left wing, the recruitment of Jacobs prompted some of the Fratton faithful to fear for the future of Curtis.

The Irishman has long been first choice on the left flank – and remains one of the Blues’ most prized assets.

But Catlin is adamant Jacobs’ signing is unrelated to Curtis’ ongoing Fratton Park presence.

He told The News: ‘I can 100 per cent guarantee that Michael hasn’t been brought in as a replacement for Ronan Curtis.

‘What develops in the future in regards to Ronan's career, I don’t know, you don't know, we would have to ask Mystic Meg.

‘But all I can say is, at this moment in time, that is definitely not the case.

‘We are not looking to leave this club in any way, shape or form. That is pretty much it, I can allay those fears.

‘We are very, very happy with the business we have done this summer.

‘Now I just can’t wait to concentrate on the football. Let’s stop the talking and deal with the action.’

Jacobs could be handed his debut in Thursday night’s Carabao Cup match at Brighton.

His most recent outing was in Wigan’s final Championship match of the 2019-20 campaign in June, which resulted in a 3-0 win over Stoke.

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The 28-year-old has been earmarked to serve Pompey as a number 10, operating behind the lone striker.

That would allow Curtis to remain in his favoured left-wing spot – certainly for the foreseeable future.

Brentford have been tracking the Republic of Ireland international, who has proven an outstanding signing from Derry in the summer of 2018.

Catlin has revealed there’s been interest in a number of Fratton Park players, including Curtis.

But he insists there have been no offers or ‘serious’ intent to snap up the talented 24-year-old.

Pompey’s chief executive added: ‘With any football player at every club, there’s always a degree of interest.

‘With Ronan, has that materialised into any form of an offer or what I would call serious interest? No.

‘He remains a Pompey player. I speak to him a lot, he is very happy here and, along with the rest of us, wants to knuckle down, start playing football and get out of this league as quickly as we can.

‘Ronan’s one of Kenny’s ever-presents. He is a very big player for us – and long may that continue.’

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