Joel Ward’s Portsmouth exit is now unlikely to take place until next week, according to reports on the south coast. The Blues, Leeds, Burnley and Crystal Palace have all held talks with the 22-year-old midfielder or defender, who is also now believed to be interesting two other Championship sides.
Manager Michael Appleton says he isn’t surprised that there are several clubs in for Ward, who is understood to want to take his time over the decision to leave his local club and is likely to speak to the other two interested parties: "Leeds are the main interest but there are a few others.
"I didn’t think Joel would be short of interested parties and that has turned out to be the case. There are a lot looking at him.
"Ipswich have always shown interest, Palace are there and Burnley have come in really strong.
"[Burnley boss] Eddie Howe worked with him in the past at Bournemouth, so you’ve got that link there. We have accepted Joel will be going, so now it is up to them to come up with an agreed deal.”
Pompey will receive £450,000 from the club that wins the race for Ward’s signature.
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