Portsmouth have rejected Town’s second offer for Joel Ward and Jason Pearce, according to reports on the south coast. The Blues made an increased bid, which we understand to have been £1.6 million, earlier today having had their initial offer - reportedly £1 million - rebuffed last week.

Town will now have to decide whether to make a third bid to the cash-strapped club or look at other targets.

However, given Pompey's ongoing financial concerns and manager Michael Appleton's admission that player sales are on the cards, it seems likely that the Blues will continue to pursue the matter.

It's understood that Town have not yet made a new bid for 17-year-old Crewe midfielder Nick Powell.

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