Portsmouth director Eric Eisner is planning on keeping star talisman Colby Bishop around, however, stated the club would entertain an “incredible offer” for their cherished asset.
The 26-year-old has been in sublime form this season, leading all Pompey players with 18 goals in the league. That tally puts him tied-2nd in terms of goals in League One, with four assists to go alongside.
Despite the change of management mid-season, Bishop has only strengthened his game under current boss John Mousinho, with a recent run of eight goal contributions in his last seven League One games.
This fine run of form has caught the eye of a host of clubs, with Ipswich Town and Championship side Blackburn Rovers linked as potential suitors for the Englishman.
Bishop arrived at Fratton Park last summer, after signing from Accrington Stanley for a fee of £500,000. After back-to-back seasons of 10 goals at the Owd Reds in 2019, the striker has taken a step up at the Hampshire club and increased his value significantly.
With their sights set on promotion back to the Championship, Portsmouth currently sits in 9th place, seven points off the promotion places, however, do have a game in hand over Bolton Wanderers.
Fellow director Andy Redman clarified there is no pressure to sell Bishop or any of their other players this summer.
While Eisner also echoed that statement, he seems to understand if the right price was offered, Bishop could be available.
Speaking to The News, he said: “John’s under no pressure to sell, but if an incredible offer comes in you’d have to entertain it – just like in any business.
“But we plan on having Colby Bishop next year and working with him to get into the Championship, if we don’t go up this season.
“We consider him a prized asset, a great buy and hopefully we have more like him.”
Writer’s View
The statements we heard in this interview don’t really come as a surprise, as Bishop is having the kind of season that should attract interest from teams in the league above.
Over the years we have seen Pompey operate under a model of signing young talent and moving them on for a profit. Bishop would fall under these same circumstances, however, it’s clear Portsmouth won’t just sell him for the sake of it.
Promotion is still the target for Portsmouth and Bishop will be key for that, however, if an offer comes in that’s significant enough to help strengthen the overall squad, Pompey would take it.
