Top Pompey summer transfer target looks unlikely to depart the Lions’ Den in January
POMPEY have been delivered a hammer blow if they planned to revive their interest in Ben Thompson next month.
The midfielder was the Blues’ top target in the latter stages of the summer transfer window.
Kenny Jackett was keen to bring Thompson back to Fratton Park after his scintillating loan spell during the first half of the 2018-19 season.
However, Millwall would not allow the diminutive figure to depart the Den after they missed out on Brighton & Hove Albion’s Jayson Mulumby.
It is understood that Pompey have been keeping tabs on Thompson since missing out on him.
He has remained a bit-part player for the Lions, having started only one of their past seven Championship fixtures.
Gary Rowett admitted there are various clubs who’d be keen to recruit Thompson if he was available.
However, the Millwall boss says the 25-year-old has not asked to depart his boyhood club – and doesn’t envisage him leaving during the January transfer window.
Speaking to
Rowett said: ‘There has always been interest in Thommo from different places.
‘I know there’s been quite a lot of speculation from the Portsmouth end about their interest in the past, because he did really well there.
‘But he is an important part of what we’re doing. Until Thommo comes to me and says “I haven’t had enough game time – I need to play more” then there isn’t really a debate I need to have. I don’t anticipate that (conversation) happening.
‘The lads love him and he works incredibly hard every day in training.
‘How many games he starts will be down to his performances when he does start. I think there is a little more to come from him.’ Pompey’s favoured central-midfield duo for the majority of the season has been Andy Cannon and Tom Naylor.
The duo have forged a superb partnership in the engine room and been key players.
Meanwhile, Ben Close has served regularly on the bench, while Bryn Morris – who started the opening six games of the season – is another option for Jackett.
The Blues’ boss recently told The News he doesn’t want Morris to leave in January.