TWTD understands that Town skipper Grant Leadbitter and defender Damien Delaney have been offered to Portsmouth during the ongoing negotiations for targeted trio Jason Pearce, Joel Ward and Stephen Henderson. The Blues are continuing to speak to Pompey regarding the three players with Tuesday’s deadline swiftly approaching.
In August, back in Steve Cotterill's time as Portsmouth boss, we revealed that Leadbitter, out of contract in the summer and so far refusing to sign new terms, had been targeted by Pompey but with the Fratton Park club failing to offer an acceptable fee.
Now, with time running out on the 26-year-old’s deal, Ryan Stevenson added to the squad over the weekend and Andy Drury and Luke Hyam making an impression on the first team, Town may well be willing to take a more significant hit on the £2.65 million they paid Sunderland in the summer of 2009.
Delaney, who is also believed to be interesting Crystal Palace, would appear to be unlikely to play regular football if the Blues are successful in landing Pearce.
However, whereas Pearce, Ward and Henderson may ultimately decide that a move to a club more stable than Portsmouth might be best for their careers, the opposite could be the case for Leadbitter and Delaney, particularly if there are other serious options on the table, either now or in the summer.
Town boss Paul Jewell was spotted running the rule over his three targets as Pompey beat Peterborough 3-0 at London Road on Saturday, Pearce netting one of the goals.
Speaking after the game, Pearce said he's not sure what will happen: "It is all out of my hands, all I can do is give 100 per cent for the club. I want to stay but who knows what will happen.
"It is nice to be talked about and wanted but I have to just get on with my job. I'm a Portsmouth player and that is all that matters."
Meanwhile, former Blues loanee Danny Collins is reportedly set to join Southampton on loan from Stoke with a view to a permanent deal in the summer.