League One outfit Ipswich Town are still reported to be interested in Portsmouth winger Michael Jacobs according to The News, after the 29-year-old reiterated his commitment to his current club.
Jacobs' time on the south-coast thus far has been hampered by injury worries after joining Pompey in September and was only able to make 20 third-tier appearances last season, scoring twice and securing three assists in a disappointing campaign.
He linked up with Portsmouth from fellow league rivals Wigan Athletic when the Latics were going through financial turmoil but had a successful five-year spell in Greater Manchester, recording 32 goals and assists during his time there and particularly impressed during the 2017/18 and 2019/20 campaigns, with both seasons coming in League One.
This is perhaps the reason why Ipswich Town manager Paul Cook is interested in luring the 29-year-old to Portman Road as he looks to replace wide men Jack Lankester, Gwion Edwards, Alan Judge and Freddie Sears who have all left this summer, with just one player in Wes Burns joining as the only recruit in this position so far.
Although Jacobs acknowledged this interest, he is happy to stay at Fratton Park for as long as Danny Cowley wants him and in an interview with The News, said: "To be fair, because I didn’t play a lot last year it was obviously surprising (Ipswich’s interest).
"There were talks at the time, but that happens in football.
"I am still contracted to this football club. Last year was frustrating in terms of me personally and I don’t think people have seen the best of me yet.
"I don’t really know what’s happening, to be honest. It’s pre-season, it materialised, talks happened, and obviously I was still coming back from injury at the time.
"I want to stay here and produce a performance that I know I can throughout the season, should I be wanted.
"Look at my age and last year, it’s one of those things, I’ve got a good relationship with the manager (Cowley) and the staff here and we had a good honest chat."
The same outlet are reporting Paul Cook has retained an interest in the player, despite not advancing talks since their initial discussions earlier in the summer, talks that happened with Portsmouth's permission.
Although this consent was given, the south-coast side will be wary of their status as fellow promotion competitors with their rebuild in Suffolk and it's currently unclear whether Ipswich will return to the negotiating table.
The Verdict:
Although Jacobs remains committed to Danny Cowley's side, it wouldn't be a huge surprise to see him leave Fratton Park after an unsuccessful first season and with the Tractor Boys still in need of a winger or two, Ipswich boss Cook may decide to push ahead with this deal after finding Portsmouth easy to deal with earlier this summer.
However, this potential departure could hinge on the future of fellow winger Ronan Curtis, who has expressed his desire to play Championship football next season and could be on his way out in the next month or so.
At this stage though, Blackburn Rovers and Cardiff City are both said to have retracted their interest.
Other sides who had also previously monitored the Irishman including Derby County and Reading are also out of the race after being placed under transfer embargoes, potentially opening the exit door for Jacobs and giving him the option to stay or move on for the second time in 12 months.
With the Suffolk-based side undergoing a rebuild, the opportunity to join this project might be too tempting to turn down if the opportunity arises.