Ipswich Submit Second Bid For Duo

Last updated : 23 January 2012 By Jim Bonner

According to the local media, Ipswich Town have submitted an improved offer for Joel Ward and Jason Pearce.

However, when questioned about the second bid on Express FM tonight, David Lampitt said he wasn't aware of a second bid from the Tractor Boys after their first offer was quickly rebuffed.

That offer was rumoured to be around £1 million but Paul Jewell frankly admitted that the first bid was below valuation. So how much are they worth?

I have seen some daft figures of £3 million to £4 million each being quoted by Pompey fans but those figures are surely far too high? After all, we bought Pearce for less than £500,000 due to our sell-on clause and Ward has not had the best of seasons, despite his versatility.

Lampitt again stated his disappointment that the tax story emerged on Saturday and reading between the lines it was simply beause other clubs are now totally aware of how much we need the money, which has severely weakened our negotiating position.

Therefore, if Ipswich (or any other potential suitors) were to up their offer to £1.6 million to pay off our tax bill, I expect they might get a different answer from our Chief Executive.

Speaking of tax bills, a certain Harry Redknapp began his tax evasion trial today. He is accused of taking bungs to avoid tax payments via an offshore account along with ex-Pompey chairman Milan Mandaric.

I'm sure we'll all be keeping a very close eye on that one amongst the turmoil going on at Portsmouth during the rest of the month and beyond.