Blues bid to lure back Ben
Blues working to bring Thompson back in spectacular deal
POMPEY have launched a stunning bid to bring Ben Thompson back to Fratton Park.
The Blues are desperate to see the Millwall midfielder return, to give a massive boost to their bid to reach the Championship.
Pompey know and accept they face a huge challenge to tempt the man who made a huge impact on loan in 2018 back to PO4.
But they are doggedly pursuing the 25-year-old, who has been on the fringes of the Londoner’s first team so far this term.
And they are hopeful both Thompson’s relationship with Kenny Jackett, and his happy experience in his previous stay at the club can coax him away from The Den.
News of the pursuit will excite Blues fans, who will know the man from Sidcup will offer exactly the kind of drive to the middle of the park Jackett is looking to add to his side.
Pompey have registered their interest with the Championship outfit, with discussions taking place between the two clubs ahead of the transfer window closing on October 16.
There’s still a massive distance to travel to see a deal to conclusion, however, with Thompson signing a new long-term agreement with
Millwall last year and keen to play Championship football.
Thompson told The News in April he was open to the prospect of one day wearing a Pompey shirt again, although he was happy where he is.
The Lions are also a club close to the classy talent’s heart, after he emerged through the ranks there after supporting them as a youngster.
But Thompson’s desire for first-team football is something Pompey are hopeful could work in their favour in terms of engineering a deal.
His appearances this season have been restricted to a single league start and two Carabao Cup outings.
That follows on from injury limiting his games last term, and largely being restricted to substitute appearances after returning from ankle and quad issues.
Gary Rowett appears to be favouring Ryan Leonard and Ryan Woods, who he signed on loan from Stoke in January before renewing the deal in July, in his midfield ahead of Thompson.
Pompey fans, of course, remember warmly the impression Thompson made in his spell in the 2018-19 season when he picked up 27 appearances.
Many fans viewed his return to Millwall in January as the key factor in their club missing out on automatic promotion to the Championship, and having to settle for a place in the play-offs.