By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: <a href= http://bit.ly/lsiOza' class='instorylink'>@skysportspeteo</a>
Thursday 8 March 2012 11:43, UK
Image:Joel Ward: Being targeted by Watford and Ipswich as Portsmouth risk losing their top players
Sky Sports understands Watford and Ipswich are battling it out to sign Portsmouth defender Joel Ward.
Versatile Pompey defender on the radar of Watford and Ipswich
Sky Sports understands Watford and Ipswich are battling it out to sign Portsmouth defender Joel Ward.
Cash-strapped Pompey are resigned to losing a number of top players to ease their ongoing financial problems and a number of clubs are waiting in the wings to move for the versatile Ward.
Ward, who is equally at home in defence or midfield, has been one of The Fratton Park club's shining lights in a disappointing campaign and his performances have not gone unnoticed.
Ipswich have held a long-term interest and saw a couple of bids rejected for the 22-year-old during the January transfer window.
Watford are also weighing up a move as they look to bolster their squad.
Portsmouth are resigned to considering loan offers for their players after allowing Erik Huseklepp and Liam Lawrence to leave in a bid to trim their wage bill.
