Portsmouth close to agreeing new deal for prized Republic of Ireland international Ronan Curtis

The News understands talks over new terms for the Republic of Ireland international are at an advanced stage.

Curtis has been generating interest from Championship sides throughout his time at Fratton Park, since joining from League of Ireland side Derry City in 2018.

But the 23-year-old appears happy to commit his future to the Blues, despite Blackburn emerging as his latest suitors last month.

A new deal for Curtis represents a statement of Pompey’s ambitions and underlines a determination to keep their prized assets.

Curtis’ existing contract comes to a close in the summer, with the club holding an option to extend that agreement by another 12 months.

It’s the prospect of tying the winger down beyond that period which will excite supporters, however, as he continues to thrive as Jackett’s side storm up the League One table.

Curtis has repeatedly stated he’s content at Pompey and he looks set to prove those words aren’t empty rhetoric by putting pen to paper.

His flying form is underlined by the 13 goals he’s scored so far this term, with 10 of those efforts arriving in the past 16 games.

News of a new deal being close will provide another fillip for supporters tonight, buoyed by victory over promotion rivals Sunderland to make it eight wins on the bounce in 2020.