EXCLUSIVE: Leeds, Sheff Utd ready to pounce on Pompey forward

Ronan Curtis TEAMtalk

Leeds, Leicester and Sheffield United are just three clubs to have watched Portsmouth man-of-the-moment Ronan Curtis recently.

The 22-year-old winger has been impressive for Pompey in his first season in the Football League and he could be set for a quick-fire move in January with as many as 30 clubs believed to be tracking him.

TEAMtalk understands that Leeds, Leicester, Sheffield United, Brighton, Middlesbrough and Derby have all sent scouts to watch the winger, who can play all across the frontline and also in midfield.

Curtis, who only signed for Pompey in the summer from Derry for less than £100,000, has been a revelation for the table toppers. He has scored six goals and grabbed five assists in 12 league games and he has been called up to Martin O’Neill’s senior Republic of Ireland squad.

Curtis, who was born in London but has dual nationality, has yet to appear for Republic, but he did represent the U21 side, and he has had the scouts flocking to Fratton Park.

He also translated his club form onto the international stage, scoring a brilliant equaliser for the Republic of Ireland Under-21s in their European Championship qualifier against Kosovo last month.

It’s understood Pompey are bracing themselves for offers in January and whilst they know it would be hard to reject a substantial bid – they are hoping the buying club would allow him to stay, in theory, until the end of the season, especially if Pompey are still in with a chance of promotion at the turn of the year.

Curtis penned a two-year deal in May and Pompey assistant manager Joe Gallen said: “He’s someone we’ve tracked for the past few months. He’s got a lot of pace and power, and is good in the air as well, so we’re really pleased to bring him here.”