'We regard him highly': Portsmouth boss addresses Joe Morrell's contract limbo as Wrexham close in

The Wales international, who is being pursued by Wrexham, officially becomes a free agent at the end of the month after the Blues opted against taking up their option.

In the meantime, Morrell is continuing his rehabilitation at Pompey’s Copnor Road training base as he recovers from knee surgery.

The midfielder is not expected to be ready for the start of pre-season, which in the Blues’ case begins with two days of testing from Thursday, June 27.

John Mousinho has confirmed talks between the 27-year-old’s representatives and sporting director Rich Hughes are ongoing.

Crucially, however, it has been more than seven weeks since Morrell was informed his option would not be activated - with no fresh deal forthcoming.

Mousinho told The News: ‘That is something which is still ongoing between the agent and the football club. We’ll probably have an update later on, closer to pre-season.

‘Joe is a fantastic player, I think there are some areas we have to make sure we get right with both him and Zak, we had reasons for not taking up their options. It’s just about getting that balance right.

‘Obviously with Joe we have the injury to contend with as well, but he is an international player and was excellent last season for large periods. 

‘He captained the side in the absence of Marlon as well. I regard Joe really highly and we will get the update on how it’s going.’

Connor Ogilvie signed a new two-year contract on Saturday, while Marlon Pack is expected to seal his Fratton Park future soon.

Zak Swanson is in a similar situation to Morrell, with Pompey also declining to take up a club option to extend his deal by 12 months.

The Blues return for pre-season on June 27, although training is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 1.