Youngster set for Portsmouth release at the end of the season

It is understood the Blues have informed the forward they won't be offering him a new deal.

Lethbridge penned third-year scholarship terms at Fratton Park last summer, which was reward for a highly impressive two seasons in the academy.

He made two appearances for Kenny Jackett’s side in the earlier rounds of the Checkatrade Trophy last campaign, as well as scoring 13 times in 43 games during a fruitful loan spell at Bognor.

Lethbridge's solitary Pompey first-team appearance this term came in the 2-2 Leasing.com Trophy trip to Oxford in October where he netted his maiden goal for the club.

He again spent time at Bognor, netting seven goals in 28 outings.

However, the Gosport lad has struggled with injuries and stuttered his encouraging progress.

Consequently, he will be released when his current contract terminates.

The 19-year-old was one of three players to sign a third-year scholarship last summer, along with Leon Maloney and Joe Hancott.

Maloney, who hails from the Isle of Wight, departed Fratton Park in January.

The winger moved to FC Volendam for an undisclosed fee, having trained with the Dutch second-tier side for several days earlier in the campaign.

Hancott, meanwhile, featured in Leasing.com Trophy matches against Norwich under-21s and Oxford.

Having also been on loan at Bognor, the left-back suffered ACL damage in his right knee during training in October that has ruled him out of action since.

In December, highly-regarded Haji Mnoga signed his first pro deal, while Wales youth international Harvey Rew penned professional terms two months earlier.