Portsmouth manager Kenny Jackett has confirmed that the club are in talks with Ronan Curtis over a new deal at Fratton Park.

The Republic of Ireland international has been a key player for Pompey since arriving from Derry City last summer, scoring 25 goals in over 80 appearances for the South Coast club.

This season, the 23-year-old has scored 13 goals and added three assists in 31 appearances for the Blues, helping Jackett's side climb into the League One play-off places this term.

Curtis was the subject of interest from the likes of Blackburn Rovers in January, with Pompey undoubtedly keen to secure his services for years to come.

Reports had claimed that the club were in talks to extend Curtis' stay at Fratton Park, with his current contract set to run out this summer.

Can you get 14 out of 14 on this Pompey quiz?

Now, Jackett has confirmed that the club are in talks with the forward, providing an update on the situation.

Speaking to Portsmouth News after his side's 2-0 win over Sunderland, Jackett said: "There have been talks, there’s been talks yes. We haven't got anything (agreed) because we’ve been concentrating on this particular game.

"But, yes, there’s been talks. I’m sure as and when they’re done they’ll be announced. I’m not going to say we haven’t. We have been talking to him definitely, yes.

"It’s encouraging. We’ve been pleased with him and I was pleased with him against Sunderland."

Pompey made it four wins in four games at the weekend, defeating play-off rivals Sunderland by two goals to nil - they now sit three points off the automatic promotion places.

The Verdict

It would be criminal if Pompey were to lose Curtis on a free transfer at the end of the season, and it is so important that they tie him down to a new deal.

He scores goals, he creates assists for his teammates and he is undoubtedly one of the best players in League One on his day.

He has been a superb signing for Pompey since arriving from Derry City, and to extend his stay at Fratton Park would be a massive statement of intent in their bid for promotion.