Instead, they want to renegotiate a new contract that allows for more flexibility in discussing compensation rates and contract length.

However, as a free agent, a player of Morrell’s calibre will undoubtedly attract interest from other clubs, notably those in League One.

And Mousinho admits Pompey may lose the 27-year-old this summer, despite their wish to keep him.

He stated to The News that while they have opted not to exercise Joe’s contract option, they do not want to rule it out completely.

‘So it’s up to the football club and Joe to see what we can achieve in terms of a contract moving ahead.

‘It’s out of my hands in terms of discussions, and it would be lovely to work things out with Joe, but we knew that if we didn’t take up his contract, there would be lots of other clubs interested in such a talented player.

‘We are practical; we have considered this and made a conclusion.

We absolutely want him to stay. I don’t want to contradict myself because we had the option of keeping him on the contract, but we have to balance everything.

Morrell is in a similar predicament as Zak Swanson, whose option was not exercised, but contract negotiations are expected.

Meanwhile, Marlon Pack and Connor Ogilvie have been offered new contracts, but 10 of the title-winning squad have been released.

Mousinho added: ‘We won’t go into the specifics of any contracts since they are confidential to players, but it needs to be right for Joe and the football club.

‘The option is the option, and whatever was in there would have safeguarded us by preventing anyone else from speaking with Joe.

‘We opted not to do it, so there’s a lot more flexibility in that negotiation.’

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