Verdict: Clubs still could come knocking for Ronan Curtis despite penning new Portsmouth deal

That is the verdict of Jordan Cross, speaking in the latest edition of Pompey Talk.

Curtis signed a new three-and-a-half year contract on Sunday to keep him at Fratton Park until the summer of 2023.

The Republic of Ireland international has become the Blues’ talisman following a dip in form at the start of the campaign.

He’s recorded 13 goals and eight assists so far, playing a key role in Kenny Jackett’s side’s League One promotion push.

Curtis has reportedly been the subject of Championship interest in the past, with Blackburn the latest suitors during last month's transfer window.

Although the 23-year-old has penned a long-term deal, Cross believes it may not put off clubs in the summer.

And if Pompey remain in the third tier, a similar scenario to when Mat Clarke and Jamal Lowe departed – for Brighton and Wigan – could emerge.

Cross said: ‘Let’s be pragmatic about it, Pompey are protecting their asset with three-and-a-half year terms.

‘If they're not to go up this season, I dare say they might find themselves in a similar scenario to Jamal Lowe and Matt Clarke. He’s not going to be short of suitors, with Blackburn the latest to be connected.

‘He’s committed his future for that period, his family are over and he really fits in with the Portsmouth dynamic. They have really embraced it.

‘He fits in with the whole fabric of Pompey and we all love Mrs Curtis on Twitter.

‘The figure mentioned was £3m but Pompey are in a really strong bargaining position should that scenario arise.

‘They’ve protected their asset and people will come knocking.

‘We're not privy to the details of the contract and don’t know what clauses are in there and promises they’ve given Ronan should the situation emerge were Pompey don’t get promoted.

‘The season is going in the right direction and everyone is hopefully looking at Championship football.

‘If that was to be the case Pompey don’t go up, you look at what happened with Matt Clarke and Jamal Lowe.

‘You could see a scenario where Pompey would have to perhaps move Ronan on and for a considerable amount of money.’