Fresh transfer development in pursuit of reported Portsmouth target as West Ham plot £13m French swoop

Pompey confirmed their first signing of the summer window on Wednesday, with Odin Bailey completing a free-transfer switch to Fratton Park.

The midfielder, who departed Stockport County at the end of the season, penned a three-year deal on the south coast and adds much-needed depth to John Mousinho’s engine room.

The Blues’ recruitment drive isn’t expected to slow down any time soon, though, as the head coach looks for new additions to his squad.

Fredrikstad midfielder Rocco Shein is poised to complete a landmark move to PO4 in the coming days, with Pompey closing in on a £2.1m deal.

Meanwhile, it is understood the Blues are making headway in their pursuit of UD Almeria striker Marko Milovanovic.

Elsewhere, gossip and speculation continues to ramp up across the Championship as clubs power on with their summer spending.

Here are the latest headlines involving Pompey’s second-tier rivals.

Fresh update in pursuit of Swansea City man

QPR have ruled themselves out in the race to sign Josh Key this summer, according to fresh reports.

The R’s were one of three Championship side’s initially linked with the Swansea City right-back along with Pompey and Preston North End.

A ‘plethora’ of clubs are said to be tracking the 26-year-old, who is entering the final 12 months of his current deal at the Swansea.com Stadium.

But a move to west London for Key is off the cards this window, with West London Sport rubbishing any talk of a potential switch.

The fresh update claims the former Exeter City man is not on QPR’s radar this summer as they look to improve on their 15th-placed finish last term.

The full-back has spent three years in South Wales, where he’s scored five goals in 112 appearances in all competitions, which also included a strike against Pompey in March.

The Blues themselves, who have been touted with Key’s services in the window, currently have three options at right-back.

In-demand Player of the Season Terry Devlin is expected to depart this summer after a brilliant campaign, although Mousinho’s men are yet to receive any approaches regarding the highly-rated 22-year-old.

Zak Swanson recently penned a two-year deal to remain on the south coast, while Jordan Williams’ future is also under the spotlight.

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West Ham plot £13m move

West Ham are on the search for new midfield targets this summer following the departure of Mateus Fernandez on Thursday.

The Hammers, who were relegated from the Premier League on the final day, have reportedly set their sights on Rennes talent Jordan James.

The 22-year-old enjoyed a brilliant campaign on loan with Leicester City last term, netting 10 goals and amassing four assists in 34 Championship outings.

And Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have reportedly set their sights on the Wales international as his future with the Ligue 1 outfit remains unclear.

OuestFrance have claimed Rennes have set a valuation of £13m on James this summer as interest from the Championship ramps up.

The former Birmingham City man has spent two years at Roazhon Park following his €5m switch in 2024 and has featured 25 times in all competitions.

Mousinho’s men, of course, kick start the new season with a trip to the London Stadium in the first round of the Carabao Cup in August.

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