Sheffield Wednesday have pulled out of the race to sign Portsmouth’s Joel Ward, according to reports in South Yorkshire. The Owls had joined the Blues, Leeds, Crystal Palace, Burnley and Blackpool in targeting the versatile 22-year-old.

Pompey’s administrator Trevor Birch expects Ward to make his decision in the middle of this week having accepted bids understood to be in the region of £450,000 from the various interested parties. Wednesday are said to have shown interest but were put off making an offer by the size of the fee.

Meanwhile, Coventry have rebuffed what they have termed a "derisory” offer from Bristol City for centre-half Richard Keogh, who is also believed to be interesting Town.

In addition to the Robins’ bid, Sky Blues development director Steve Waggott says his club has received other interest in the 25-year-old former Republic of Ireland U21 international: “We’ve had approaches, by telephone and email, from three or four interested Championship clubs that haven’t led to a formal offer.

“The type of player Richard is he’s going to attract attention and we’ve got to consider all reasonable offers that come in."

Keogh, a former Blues Academy schoolboy and Portman Road ballboy, has a year left on his Coventry contract.

Photo: Action Images

Story syndicated from TWTD.co.uk

Photo: Action Images

Southampton Polls