Guy Whittingham has dismissed a ‘derisory’ double bid for in-demand Jed Wallace.
The Pompey caretaker boss confirmed two sides, believed to be Brighton and Port Vale, tabled offers for the 18-year-old before the close of the transfer window last month.
But the interest in the midfielder, who has undertaken a promising elevation into the Blues first-team picture, was given short shrift by Whittingham.
He said: ‘There was interest in Jed but it couldn’t have been much of an interest because the offers were derisory.
‘It was an offer from one team higher up the leagues and one lower down.
‘I’m not confirming or denying the sides but the offers weren’t even worth contemplating.’
Wallace has caught the eye in his eight league appearances for Pompey, since coming off the bench at Swindon on New Year’s Day.
His maiden senior goal arrived on his full league debut against Hartlepool at Fratton Park, and was followed up with another strike against Colchester.
It’s been a frenetic period for Wallace with four starts arriving in 10 days before he dropped to the bench against Bournemouth last weekend.
He was back in the starting XI at Hartlepool on Tuesday night, though, as Pompey grabbed a 0-0 draw.
Whittingham wants to keep a close eye on the player to help Wallace’s development – and ensure the Blues get the best from him.
He said: ‘Jed’s had the adulation and been in the first team and scored a couple of goals. He’s a confident guy but also intelligent enough to know he’s got a lot to learn.
‘I have no doubt he’ll make a good career in the game for himself.
‘We want to make sure it’s here for the next couple of seasons.’