Championship transfer gossip: Portsmouth rivals Derby and Bristol City eye winger with 22 G/As as WBA have striker bid 'rejected'
Championship transfer latest as clubs make plans for 2026-27 season
Pompey have been linked with plenty of new players since securing their Championship status with the transfer rumour mill churning out eight potential signings so far.
Some of those have already been shot down, including links to striker Bamba Diegn and Aston Villa youngster Tommi O’Reilly.
However, The News understands that reported interest in Plymouth striker Bim Pepple is creditable, with the Blues watching the 18-goal frontman on several occasions last season.
Whether Pompey’s interest develops into anything more concrete remains to be seen.
In the meantime, here’s some of the latest transfer rumours during the rounds as the Blues’ rivals look to bolster their ranks ahead of another new season.
Derby and Bristol City enter race for Barnsley sensation
Derby and Bristol City have apparently joined the hunt for Barnsley winger Reyes Clearly.
With Sheffield United and Hull City already known admirers of the 22-year-old, the former West Brom youngster could have his pick of some top Championship sides if the Tykes decide to cash in on him this summer.
The former England youth international has made the most of his Oakwell opportunity, after joining the League One outfit from WBA on a free transfer last year.
Clearly racked up an impressive 50 appearances for Barnsley over the course of the 2025-26 season..
But even more impressive was his tally of goal contributions, with the left-sided attacker scoring seven goals and registering 15 assists for a Tykes side that finished 15th in the third-tier table.
Clearly is under contract at Oakwell until 2028. The Tykes also have the option of an additional 12 months.
Bristol City’s interest has emerged amid links with Pompey boss John Mousinho.
West Brom and Lincoln bids ‘rejected’
Both West Brom and newly-promoted Lincoln City are already plotting ways to add goals to their respective teams next season, and that has reportedly led them to Scotland for potential solutions.
According to Footbal Insider, Falkirk striker Barney Stewart is firmly on their radars. So much so that they claim both clubs - along with Oxford United - have had bids rejected by the Scottish Premiership side.
The 22-year-old has come to their attention after bagging 18 goals this season.
Eight of those came while on loan with Scottish Championship side Dunfermline over the first half of the season, while the other 10 came after he returned to John McGlynn’s ranks at the beginning of the year.
Falkirk are reportedly keen to keep hold of the Scotland under-21 international, who still has two years to run on his current deal and has also caught Celtic’s eye this season.
Sheffield United ‘want’ Hull City duo
Sheffield United have reportedly identified two Hull City players they’d like to sign during the transfer window.
With Blades boss Chris Wilder needing to freshen up his Bramall Lane ranks after a disappointing Championship campaign that saw them finish 13th, it has been reported that moves for Regan Slater and Paddy McNair could emerge over the summer.
Midfielder Slater, who was released by United in 2022, has featured 44 times for the Tigers in the league this season and will likely start their Championship play-off final against Southampton or Middlesbrough later this month.
Defender McNair, who was linked with a move to Pompey in January, has featured 14 times for Hull following his move from the MLS at the beginning of the year.
The Northern Ireland international has a year remaining on his Tigers deal, while Slater’s contract expires at the end of next month.