Kenny Jackett has rubbished reports that Brighton have agreed on a £3m fee for centre back Matt Clarke, as revealed on the club's official website, reported by the Portsmouth News.
The 22-year-old has been the subject of intense speculation this week, with the Premier League side reported by the Daily Mail to have agreed on the multi-million-pound fee for Clarke's services.
However, with Jackett's valuation of the player thought to be £5m, a deal is a long way from being completed, as the former Wolves boss revealed.
"Certainly, with the Matt Clarke situation, there’s been a lot of speculation. ‘There has been a bid but nothing’s been agreed yet in terms of him going. You know, I would say it’s still in negotiation really."
Whilst it does still appear likely a move is in the offing, it seems that completion is some way away as the deal is very much still a 'work in progress'.
"We’re considering all of those things but while there have been bids nothing’s been agreed yet and nothing’s actually been done," continued Jackett.
"So from our point of view, we’re still working at it as part of the process."
Clarke joined Portsmouth in 2016 after failing to make the grade with Ipswich Town. He helped them to the League Two title in 2017, then towards a failed play-off push in their first League One season.
This year his input saw them lift the EFL Trophy at Wembley, as well as finish inside the top six.
The Verdict
£3m is about right for Clarke, but Jackett is holding out for more. A £5m fee would give him a healthy transfer kitty that should blow most of his rivals out of the water in the hunt for promotion.
This is a crucial season for Jackett, he's failed to put them in the Championship two years in a row now. If he fails a third time, their hierarchy might feel it's time for a fresh outlook.
He has to get his business right this summer and he's clearly holding out for the funds to do just that.