Still a long shot - but twist could yet come in Thompson pursuit before window closes
THERE could still be mileage in Pompey’s pursuit of Ben Thompson yet.
That’s the view of Blues writer, Jordan Cross, in the latest edition of Pompey Talk.
The chase for the Millwall man has dominated conversation among fans since news of it was exclusively revealed by The News earlier this week.
Pompey have been chasing hard but the Championship side aren’t currently keen to do business, with Kenny Jackett stating a move to tempt Thompson back is unlikely.
Cross revealed how the picture is changing all the time, however, and feels there could yet be more developments. Indeed, it emerged yesterday that the player has asked Millwall’s permission to go out on loan.
Cross said: ‘It emerged that Pompey were trying to get Ben Thompson back to Fratton Park.
‘That excited me, I said it’d make my year if it happened because he’s one of my favourite players of the last decade, and it turns out Pompey fans feel the same about it, because it blew up when we did the story.
‘As indicated in the story, Pompey are doing everything they can. They’ve got calls going into Steve Kavanagh, the Millwall CEO, every day.
‘They accept and know it’s a long shot for a number of reasons, Ben being a Millwall boy and wanting to play Championship football.
‘Nonetheless, they’ve been doing all they can to try to get him back.
‘It’s kicked on a bit through our friend, Andy Moon from BBC Radio Solent, saying it’s unlikely, which is in line really with what we’ve said.
‘As it stands it’s a no from Millwall. Will that change over the next eight days? Well, we’ve seen time and again how these things can twist and turn as we get down to deadline day.
‘In terms of up-to-theminute developments, there is a suggestion Ben could be looking to go out on loan.
‘That’s interesting. Whether the Championship is a priority, we will see. There could be some mileage left in this one yet.’
Cross added a deal could be rejuvenated if Millwall boss, Gary Rowett, further bolstered his midfield resources before the transfer deadline for clubs in the English domestic leagues on October 16.
He added: ‘Ben’s been on the bench, coming off the bench and playing Carabao Cup games.
‘He’s probably behind the likes of Woods, Leonard and Williams in the 3-4-3 Millwall play. But we’ve seen what’s happening with things like Covid and injuries.
‘What I would suggest is it’s a no from Millwall at the moment and it may take someone coming in for Ben to leave.
‘It’s a pretty firm no from Millwall at the moment, but that can change.’