Will Leeds win race for Portsmouth’s Joel Ward?

After a day of transfer talks, Ward is set to follow Jason Pearce from Fratton Park to Elland Road, even though Ipswich Town, Crystal Palace and Burnley are also trying to sign him.

Ward, 22, will have to leave insolvent Portsmouth this summer and is understood to be close to making a decision on his future.

Leeds manager Neil Warnock has said he wants to sign up to four players before June. He is also believed to be keen on Portsmouth midfielder David Norris and striker Luke Varney, and Derby County’s Paul Green.

Portsmouth manager Michael Appleton said: “There could be five or six in the race for Joel. That can only be a good thing. I’d be very surprised if he’s not the next one to move on.”