Portsmouth rivals close in on Celtic capture as Derby County face new West Ham transfer threat
The latest transfer headlines involving Pompey’s Championship rivals.
Incomings and outgoings are to be expected at Fratton Park this summer as John Mousinho assembles his squad for the upcoming Championship campaign.
Pompey have already been linked with a host of players ahead of the market’s opening, which gets underway next Monday.
Luke Graham and Aribim Pepple are both names understood to be on the Blues’ radar, while Elfsborg’s Ibrahim Buhari and Rangers’ Calum Adamson are both reportedly being eyed.
While arrivals are at the forefront of supporters’ minds, the futures of some members of Mousinho’s squads still need to be addressed.
Connor Ogilvie and Zak Swanson have both been offered fresh terms to remain at PO4, while Adrian Segecic and Terry Devlin are both poised to attract interest after brilliant breakthrough campaigns.
Gossip and speculation is intensifying elsewhere, with clubs across the Championship looking to make their mark in the window.
Here are the latest headlines involving Pompey’s second-tier rivals.
Swansea City set for Celtic star
Vitor Matos is wasting no time in building his squad ahead of his first full campaign in charge of Swansea City.
The Portuguese coach, of course, took the reins in November and led the Swans to an 11th-placed finish after initial early-season relegation concerns.
And the 38-year-old is already closing on his first arrival of the summer, with Celtic defender Stephen Welsh poised to complete a switch to the Swansea.com Stadium.
The Scottish Daily Record have claimed the centre-back is finalising a multi-year deal with Pompey’s Championship rivals, having turned down other Championship and MLS offers.
The 26-year-old will reportedly complete a free-transfer switch to the Swans after mutually agreeing to terminate his current terms at Celtic Park early.
Welsh came through the ranks with the Premier League champions, where he totalled 70 appearances in all competitions after making his debut in 2020.
The highly-talented defender spent last term on loan with Motherwell, which saw him amass 31 outings.
Derby County facing new West Ham threat
Derby County are facing a tough battle to secure Bobby Clark’s services on a permanent basis, according to reports.
Derbyshire Live have revealed half-a-dozen clubs are tracking the RB Salzburg man, who impressed during a successful loan stint at Pride Park.
It has been reported West Ham are one of those clubs interested as they prepare for life back in the Championship following their Premier League relegation.
Clark provided seven goal contributions in 43 outings for the Rams last season as he established himself as an important operator in John Eustace’s armoury.
The winger does have three-years to run on his current terms with the Austrian outfit, having penned a five-year deal following his switch from Liverpool in 2024.
The 21-year-old started both games for Derby against Pompey, which saw the Rams pick up four points on their way to an eighth-placed finish.