‘Certainly one we’d want to keep open’ – Mousinho hints at interest in Leigh
John Mousinho admitted Pompey want to ‘keep open’ a move for Tommy Leigh.
But the Blues’ boss is adamant his club have not registered their interest with Accrington in their £200,000-rated midfielder.
The News revealed last month Pompey have been made aware of the price on the former academy talent’s head, after bagging 12 goals for relegated Accy this term.
Leigh has a year left on his deal at the Wham Stadium, with John Coleman’s side seeing their relegation to League Two confirmed on the final day.
Mousinhoadmittedhisadmiration for the 23-year-old and thinks it’s natural links will be made with the former Priory School student.
The head coach feels it’s imperative Pompey respect the situation Accrington are in, however, with their drop down a division still fresh.
Mousinho explained it’s been his club’s intention not to make inroads into contacting fellow outfits until the dust has settled on the campaign.
He said: ‘We haven’t made an enquiry with Accrington.
‘First of all, it isn’t the right time.
‘The fact Accrington were in that relegation battle, even if it wasn’t realistic for them to stay up, out of respect for them and Tommy you need to make sure they get their business done there.
‘I think it’s the right thing to do, so we honestly haven’t made an enquiry about Tommy.
‘The fact he’s from around here makes a huge difference, but we want to do things properly as a football club.
‘So it won’t be until the end of the season and everybody is sorted that we’ll think about those sort of things.
‘That’s with all players, whether it’s a fee or they are out of contract. We need to make sure we do it right.
‘I guess there will be a natural connection between us and Tommy.
‘There’s no hiding away from the fact that he’s a good player and we know he’s been quite effective this season.
‘There’s those natural links he’s talked about and he’s a player we’d never say “oh no, there’s no interest and we’d never explore that”.
‘It’s certainly one we’d want to keep open.’
Leigh made 50 appearances across all competitions this season.