Portsmouth appear open to selling versatile forward Ronan Curtis in January amid repeated links with a move to Preston North End.
PNE have been linked with Curtis on a number of occasions at this point.
Back in August 2021, The News in Portsmouth reported that PNE were stepping up their interest in signing Curtis having made an enquiry earlier in the window.
The Daily Record then reported this past summer that PNE were battling Blackburn Rovers, Cardiff City and Hibernian for Curtis.
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If PNE really do want Curtis then the time may be right for a move.
Curtis, 26, is out of contract at the end of the season and Portsmouth seem open to selling in January.
Portsmouth boss Danny Cowley has told The News that Pompey would rather not allow assets to leave for free.
That means the ‘physical and robust’ Curtis could be available for a knockdown fee in January to prevent him moving on for nothing.
The question is whether Curtis is good enough for PNE now.
The Ireland international hit double figures in each of his first four seasons with Portsmouth following a 2018 move from Derry City.
Curtis hasn’t impressed Pompey fans of late and some supporters aren’t even convinced he deserves a new deal in League One.
Even famous commentator Ian Darke has been critical of Curtis this week.
Curtis has notched just one goal and one assist in 16 league games for Pompey this season, seemingly moulding his game from a speedy winger to more of a physical, hard-working forward.
PNE do want attacking additions in January and Ryan Lowe’s usage of a 3-4-2-1 as well as his usual 3-5-2 means versatile attackers will be very valuable.
Curtis fits that bill and North End will have likely tracked his performance of late if their past interest is anything to go by.
It’s now all about deciding whether Curtis is a fading force even at League One level or whether he just needs a fresh start under a manager who can utilise him properly.