Portsmouth rivals close in on £6m signing as Championship trio eye prolific League One talent
The latest transfer headlines involving Pompey’s Championship rivals.
All eyes are on the upcoming transfer window, with three days to go until business gets underway.
Pompey will be looking to strengthen in a number of key areas as John Mousinho primes his squad for the new Championship campaign.
Eleven players have so far been touted with a move to Fratton Park this summer, although many have already been rubbished.
Preparations for the season are ramping up, with the Blues announcing a first trip to Germany in 18 years on Thursday evening.
In the meantime, however, gossip and speculation is heating up across the division as the window approaches.
Here are the latest transfer headlines involving the Blues’ rivals.
Championship trio eye in-demand striker
A trio of Championship outfits have identified Leyton Orient striker Dom Ballard as a key transfer target this summer.
The 21-year-old is reportedly attracting strong interest from higher up the football pyramid after another successful campaign in League One.
The frontman, who completed a permanent move from Southampton 12-months ago, plundered 23 goals and collected five assists at Brisbane Road last term as Richie Wellens’ men beat the drop on the final day.
The Daily Mail have claimed Ballard is, though, a wanted man during the window, with Bristol City, Swansea City and West Ham all believed to be keeping tabs.
It is believed Bundesliga outfit Weder Bremen are also tracking the England youth international, whose standing in the game has increased significantly in the past 12 months.
After rising through the ranks at St Mary’s, the young talent completed a move to north-east London last summer for a significant undisclosed fee.
The report states Leyton Orient are looking to make a considerable profit on Ballard if the League One side opt to cash in on their prized assest during the window.
West Ham are one of the clubs apparently interested and are preparing for life back in the Championship, where they will face Pompey for the first time since 2012.
Birmingham City close in on £6.9m signing
Birmingham City have reportedly triggered the release clause on Jhon Solis’ Girona contract to make his loan stay permanent.
The 21-year-old shone at St Andrews last term, featuring 18 times during the second half of the campaign - including an outing against Pompey on the final day.
An appearance-based clause was inserted in the deal following his January arrival, which is believed to have been activated.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has claimed the Blues are now closing in on the £6m signing having fended off interest from Leeds United and Brentford.
Solis will now pen a permanent deal with the West Midlands outfit, who finished 10th in the Championship last season.