Portsmouth’s Joel Ward continues to weigh up his options with the Blues still believed to be very much in the race for his signature.

The 22-year-old is variously reported to be speaking to a club this morning and having narrowed his alternatives down to Town and another club.

While Leeds appear to have dropped back in the race and Sheffield Wednesday have dropped out completely, we understand Crystal Palace are strong contenders with Ward viewed as a straight replacement for right-back Nathaniel Clyne, who is set to leave Selhurst Park for the Premier League this summer.

Burnley, who are managed by Eddie Howe, Bournemouth boss during Ward’s loan spell with the Cherries, and Blackpool are the other interested parties.

Pompey administrator Trevor Birch said earlier in the week that he expected the versatile defender or midfielder to have moved by the middle of the week but with further discussions expected with the various interested parties, including Town, a swift resolution seems unlikely.

Photo: Action Images

Photo: Action Images

walberswick added 10:37 - May 23 begins with l ends in s
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SuperReuser added 10:41 - May 23 Brad Guzan has just been released by villa... PJ... get involved!
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walberswick added 10:48 - May 23 Why would you start rebuilding a team with a utiliity player?
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Urchin added 10:51 - May 23 so has Almunia - on freebie ...now there's a thought !!
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Garv added 11:15 - May 23 Zzzzz... Can you imagine someone in the real world taking this long deciding what new job to take up? This is getting ridiculous.
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BoredWithThisNow added 11:56 - May 23 Dithering tw@t can p!ss off
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Michael11 added 11:59 - May 23 I think palace will sign him, hour away from his home being the only reason though. We have a better team, better ground and better training facilities so lets see whats more important to him.
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raycrawfordswig added 12:01 - May 23 If he takes much longer to make up his mind he will be 32
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Lightningboy added 12:40 - May 23 I hope this guy is worth all the fuss.
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 12:42 - May 23 The year is 2082. Joel Ward, who previously played for a long since extinct club known as Portsmouth, is said to be considering whether to join the Championship side Crystal Palace or last year's World Club Cup winners Ipswich Town Ladies. Joel, who first began "weighing up his options" 60 years ago is expected to make a decision very soon.
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Keaneish added 12:47 - May 23 This blokes an idiot! If its Palace, he's also a mummy's boy! 5 months and counting! Tired of this. Stay near your home mummy's boy!
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baznsez04 added 12:58 - May 23 Would be a great signing if it happens. Would also be great if we went for Kyle Macfadzean from Crawley, Great CB at right age, height, bags of ability and at the right price, This lad has been a huge rock for Crawley and the step up would suit him im sure. Could be another cresswell.
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DanLyles added 12:58 - May 23 Guzan and Cuellar released, yes please. Ditto Ricardo Fuller. That would be 3 signings without any transfer fees. Cuellar will probably attract alot of lower end Prem interest though
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muhrensleftfoot added 13:22 - May 23 There really are some muppets on here. I hope he doesn't read this website otherwise he'll have a poor view of us based on a minority of morons. What's the big rush for him? It's a big move in his career, he wants to take his time to consider his family and future. It's the close season and not even into pre season. Does it matter whether he signs today, next week or the week after...I'd like him to sign, but won't hold it against him if he doesn't.

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FenboyBlue added 13:52 - May 23 Hope he's more decisive at corners.
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JewellintheTown added 14:01 - May 23 If I was M.E. or Cleggy and he finally said he'd join us, I'd say "nah, dont want ya now lad" and stick two fingers up at him. Not exactly inspiring the amount of time he's taking to decide.
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adamisablue added 14:47 - May 23 errr cakeman, technicly he IS a right sided defender...
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roytheboy added 15:08 - May 23 Isn't it time he stopped hesitating and made a decision ? he's probably a good lad, but I would be much more optimistic if he were to show some real enthusiasm towards wanting to play for us.
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planetblue_2011 added 15:15 - May 23 Come on ward come & sign for us. We are better than palace!! You will fit in better with us!!!
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Sorry added 15:19 - May 23 what's the rush for him to decide? No-ones due back at training for weeks. As to his levels of enthusiasm, unless you happen to grow up round the club there's sod all reason why he should be desperate to join us other than the T&Cs being right for him (part of the reason why we should make more of an effort with the youngsters from round here than we would with any old player). Literally any player we sign who has other offers (ie. is quite good) is going to do the same

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planetblue_2011 added 15:21 - May 23 Come on ward come & sign for us. We are better than palace!! You will fit in better with us!!!
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Surco72 added 15:39 - May 23 Why so many negative comments about Ward deliberating over his future ? As long as he signs before pre season starts whats the issue ? Scotland hasnt signed his contract offer yet ,why is he not being slagged off ? Leadbitter has been talking to Boro since Jan but hasnt signed yet ,most players and officials are on holiday and deals will be done within the next few weeks when clubs know who have been released and what options are available . Patience is a virtue ,no one seems to have anymore

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jayceee added 15:48 - May 23 @muhrensleftfoot, @Sorry and @ Surco72 Agreed! Not sure why the impatience. He is young, it's a big decision and if it WAS just about money, he would have decided already! If you have ever had to decide between job offers, (I have at some stage), you really do need to investigate all options and do what is right for you and your family. They are not due back yet, so hats off to him for making sure he gets it right. So long as he chooses us :D

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bluey420 added 16:10 - May 23 Let's weigh this up if it's between us n another club looks like palace: so both clubs have been in the premier league both since being back in the championship have struggled n whatever happens 4 both clubs this summer r either going too b in the top 6 looking at both teams over the last 5 years we r both lucky 2 b in the top 10 below top 6 we have not challenged top 6 since we got promoted. Let's hope other dealings don't get dragged out 4 weeks n months like J.Ward

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StowTractorBoy added 16:16 - May 23 A deal will be done this week with someone as Pompey probably the cash and probably up front at that. I agree Palace could beat us to him because of location but oh dear what a place to play your football and will they be able to pay £450K up front. Clyne will be on his way but is the cash there now at Palace - I doubt it.
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