Portsmouth rivals eyeing January move for £5.7m talent as Championship duo join race for Hearts ace
The latest transfer headlines involving Pompey’s Championship rivals.
The wait for Championship action is almost over for the Fratton faithful, with the latest international break coming to an end.
Pompey are back in action this weekend as they welcome Millwall to PO4 looking to pick up their first win in six league matches.
The Blues have had former Oxford United defender Joe Bennett training with John Mousinho’s men this week to aid the left-back crisis, although a move for the 35-year-old has been dismissed by the head coach.
Despite injuries to Connor Ogilvie and Jacob Farrell, Pompey will not be looking at the free-agent market to help aid their woes on the left-hand side of defence.
Elsewhere, there is plenty of transfer talk doing the rounds across the Championship as clubs begin their preparations for the January window, which is just over a month away.
Here are the latest headlines involving the Blues’ second-tier rivals.
Championship trio eye striker
A trio of Championship sides are eyeing a move for Viktoria Plzen talent Rafiu Durosinmi in the January transfer window, according to reports.
Football Insider have claimed Oxford United, Derby County and Hull City are all keeping tabs on the 22-year-old, who is impressing the Czech top flight this term.
Pompey’s second-tier rivals have also been joined by League One outfit Huddersfield Town, who are said to have expressed interest in the Nigerian striker.
Durosinmi has netted 11 goals in 21 appearances in all competitions for Plzen this term, which has included two goals in the Europa League as he makes his mark on the European stage.
His impressive form in front of goal has caught the attention of a host of potential suitors in the EFL, who are already exploring a deal in the upcoming window for the frontman.
The Czech outfit currently value the talented striker at £5.7m, with the figure at a cut price as he enters the final six months of his deal at the Doozan Arena.
Reported admirers Hull City netted three times against Pompey last time out in the Championship and are looking to strengthen their forward department in the January window.
Lancashire duo duel for defender
Preston North End and Blackburn Rovers are reportedly battling to land Hearts defender Craig Halkett in January.
That’s according to Football League World, who have claimed the Lancashire duo have joined Watford in pursuit of the 30-year-old in the upcoming transfer window.
It is believed Pompey’s rivals have been monitoring the centre-back’s performances this term after the Jam Tarts’ impressive start to the campaign, which currently sees them top the Scottish Premiership.
Halkett’s current terms at Tynecastle are set to come to an end at the end of the campaign, with the report suggesting both Championship sides could explore a cut-price deal in January.
The central defender has spent more than six years with Hearts, where he’s amassed 156 appearances and netted 16 goals from the heart of defence.
Blackburn currently sit two points above Mousinho’s men and make the trip to Fratton Park on December 13.