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Ronan Curtis is lighting up League One with Portsmouth, leading to as many as 30 clubs eyeing his signature – with Derby County amongst those, according to TeamTalk.

What’s the word?

Curtis never established himself as a prolific goal scorer when playing in the Irish Premier Division for Derry County, yet the taste of the English game lit a fire in his boots, seeing the forward score six times and set up a further five for his high-flying teammates who sit top of the third-tier table.

Derry received what now seems like a measly figure of less than £100,000 for the services of a 22-year-old who can play across the front three positions.

Curtis’ superb season has also caught international attention, with the Republic of Ireland gaffer calling up the 6 foot forward to the senior side, though Martin O’Neill opted not to play him.

The Portsmouth starlet has scored international goals for his country at Under 21 level, though, netting against Kosovo in a European Championship qualifier last month.

Altogether, Portsmouth will have to endure a tough January due to interest from a range of clubs, with TeamTalk understanding Leeds, Leicester, Sheffield United, Brighton, Middlesbrough and Derby are amongst the most keen for a mid-season move.

What kind of return on investment the Fratton Park side will be hoping for unfortunately remains unclear.

Derby must act quickly and sign Curtis

With Mason Mount loving life at Pride Park alongside Harry Wilson and Mason Bennett while on loan from Chelsea, it is hard to see how Ronan Curtis would slot into Frank Lampard’s starting eleven.

Yet it is through Mason Mount that he does.

Being on loan from Chelsea, Mount is not the Rams' priority in the long run as it is unlikely a deal would be reached to see the 19-year-old stay on a permanent agreement.

Instead, making the signing from Pompey would create a long term future line-up whilst showing the Derbyshire club's strength in the market by fending off such varied interest.