Portsmouth manager Michael Appleton says he expects Town targets Joel Ward (pictured) and Jason Pearce to leave the now relegated crisis club during the summer. The Blues have been chasing the duo since January with Ward holding talks with manager Paul Jewell in March, while Pearce, Pompey’s Player of the Year, has recently also been linked with Leeds.
Appleton said: "I think Jason is certainly one of the assets we have got on the field of play and I will be very surprised if he is here next season.
"He and Joel Ward have attracted offers from the Championship this season so you would think they’ll go. You wouldn’t have to be a brain surgeon to work that one out.”
The Blues had offers accepted for Ward and keeper Stephen Henderson on the final day of the January transfer window, while bids from Town and others for Pearce were rebuffed.
The Ward and Henderson deals broke down over personal terms with the former Irish U21 international keeper subsequently joining West Ham on loan with a view to a permanent deal.
The Blues renewed their interest in defender or midfielder Ward prior to March’s loan deadline when Jewell said he could look at signing him again in the summer.
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