Appleton: Jewell is only boss I've spoken to

Michael Appleton revealed Ipswich boss Paul Jewell is the only manager he has spoken to over bids for his players.

He had contact from Jewell last week over interest in Jason Pearce and Joel Ward.

But Appleton insists he has not heard anything since about Ipswich’s latest improved offer – which includes a move for a third Pompey player.

Appleton could only speculate on the identity of that Tractor Boys target.

Stephen Henderson has been touted for an exit, with Dave Kitson being looked at by Brighton, and not Ipswich, as has been reported.

Youngster Ryan Williams is another player rumoured to be generating interest – with Fulham said to be on his trail.

Appleton said: ‘I hear rumours about this and that, second bids and third bids (for Pearce and Ward). But I’ve had one conversation with Paul Jewell after their first bid.

‘That was seven days ago and I’ve had no contact since.

‘It’s common courtesy for one manager to ring the other, even if it is chief exec to chief exec (doing the deal).

‘I’ve got a good idea who it is (Ipswich’s bid for third player) but I haven’t been told about it.

‘I don’t want anyone to go but I might get a call at any time. We know the position the club are in.’

Appleton has not ruled out keeping his squad together, if some finance can be quickly generated.

He said: ‘I don’t expect players to go. It all depends on the ownership situation.

‘It’s not an absolute must.

‘From our view, that’s why we don’t have to take the first bid which comes along.’