Bolton and Sheffield United join Portsmouth in transfer race for striker as Preston North End eye Crystal Palace attacking midfielder
Latest Championship transfer development on Monday, July 6
Pompey headed to Ireland for their pre-season training camp on Sunday with three transfers nearing completion.
Deals for striker Marko Milovanovic, midfielder Rocco Shein and winger Eoin Kenny are all waiting to be finalised so that they can link up with their new team-mates for their 2026-27 Championship preparations.
With midfielder Odin Bailey already signed, sealed and delivered, it’s an exciting time for the Fratton faithful as they get to see the squad take shape ahead of another gruelling campaign.
However, the fans know that it’s not just their side who are making efforts to improve over the summer. All Championship clubs will be going through the same process as they too look to make inroads into the transfer market.
The start of the new season is still five weeks away. Meanwhile, the transfer window won’t shut until 11pm on Tuesday, September 1.
That means there’s still plenty of time left to strengthen. But while Pompey close in on Milovanovic & Co what are their second-tier rivals currently up to?
He had a look areound and this is what we discovered.
Pompey’s interest in Plymouth Argyle striker Bim Pepple could be about to be tested.
The Blues have had a longstanding interest in the 23-year-old, who bagged 18 goals for the League One Pilgrims last season.
That saw the Fratton Park side watch the former Luton man on numerous occasions as they weighed up options to bolster their attacking firepower ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Pompey retain that interest in Pepple, despite closing in on a €6m move for UD Almeria striker Marko Milovanovic.
However, news that Championship duo Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United, plus AGF Aarhus, also have the frontman on their wanted list could determine how serious there interest in the player is.
Preston North End want Crystal Palace attacker
Preston North End are interested in an ambitios move for Crystal Palace youngster Justin Devenny.
Reports suggest PNE boss Paul Heckingbottom is an admirer of the Northern Ireland international and is keen to bring the attacking midfielder to Deepdale on loan.
The 22-year-old featured 31 times in all competitions for Palace last season but remained on the bench as the Eagles won the Europa Conference League following their victory against Rayo Vallecano in the final in May.
It’s believed the former Airdie man is keen to remain at Selhurst Park and impress new boss Pierre Sage. However, getting regular game time is also important for Devenny, who has just one year remaining on his current deal.
As well as North End, Southampton and Leicester are also keen. Reports claim they’re willing to pay up to £5m for the player.
Bristol City close in on Romania international centre-back
Bristol City are reportedly on the cusp of their fifth signing under new boss Michael Skubala.
Fresh from completing moves for former Pompey target Gibson Yah, Sam Greenwood, Sam Tickle and former Fratton favourite Jed Wallace, the Robins are apparently closing in on the €2.5m transfer of Romania centre-back Lisav Eissat.
The 21-year-old currently plies his trade for Maccabi Haifa in Israel. But according to reports there, he’s poised to join the Robins on a four-year deal.
If true, Eissat will provide competition for the likes for one-time Pompey loanee Rob Atkinson in the City back line.
Aktinson featured 25 times for the Robins in the Championship last season, but has been out since February with an ankle injury.