Cherries captain Jason Pearce would be interested in a return to Portsmouth, according to his agent.

Pompey had a bid for the defender rejected on Monday, as exclusively revealed by the Daily Echo.

Cherries chairman Eddie Mitchell reported that the Championship outfit had made contact again yesterday and indicated they could make another offer.

And the comments of Pearce’s representative Clive Berlin are likely to have encouraged them to make their move.

In an interview with The News, Berlin claimed: “As far as I am aware, Portsmouth have made a bid and that has been turned down.

“The ball is now in their court and whether they improve it or not. Jason would be interested, though.

“Without being disrespectful to Bournemouth, as far as Jason is concerned he is more than good enough to play higher than where he is. He is no different to any other player in that respect.”

Peterborough saw a £500,000 bid for Pearce collapse when Cherries discovered a 50 per cent sell-on clause in the defender's contract.

Pompey are the club entitled to half of any potential fee, as part of the deal that took their former trainee to Dean Court four years ago.

The Daily Echo has been unable to contact Pearce for comment during the past week.

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