Portsmouth rivals set to make shock managerial decision as Wrexham chase £20m talent
The latest transfer headlines involving Pompey and their Championship rivals.
Pompey’s impressive late-season form continued on Saturday afternoon as they cruised past 17th-placed Stoke City.
Adrian Segecic’s hat-trick ensured John Mousinho’s men picked up maximum points at the bet365 Stadium with a brilliant 3-1 triumph.
Attention has already turned to what is poised to be a huge summer at Fratton Park as the Blues look to progress from the relegation picture next term.
Elsewhere, planning and preparations for the summer have already begun across the Championship as clubs brace for a busy transfer window.
Here are the latest headlines from across the decision involving Pompey’s rivals.
Still set for Watford sack
Watford are expected to part ways with head coach Ed Still after the campaign’s climax.
TalkSPORT’s chief reporter Alex Crook has revealed the Hornets are set to sack the 35-year-old this summer, despite spending less than four months in charge at Vicarage Road.
The former Anderlecht head coach was the third boss to take charge of the Blues’ rivals this term after the dismissals of Paulo Pezzolano and Javi Gracia earlier in the season.
Still was appointed head coach on a two-and-a-half-year deal in February and has overseen just 14 games.
News over his imminent departure comes less than 24 hours after Watford suffered 5-1 defeat to promotion-chasing Middlesbrough.
It extended their barren winless run to seven Championship matches, with the Hornets claiming maximum points on three occasions under his leadership.
Still is expected to depart Vicarage Road after their season finale against champions Coventry City next week and currently sit just three points above Pompey in the standings.
Wrexham want £20m man
Wrexham are a host of English clubs tracking midfielder Jordan James, according to reports.
The 21-year-old has flourished during an impressive loan stint at Leicester City, which has seen him emerge as a rare shining light in a disastrous campaign at the King Power Stadium.
The Welsh international has netted 11 goals and collected four assists in 33 outings for the Foxes during his season-long stay from French outfit Rennes.
Interest is growing in James, though, with Sports Boom suggesting play-off hopefuls Wrexham are keen on signing the young talent this summer.
Pompey’s Championship rivals are braced to battle it out in the window alongside Premier League sides, including Everton and Crystal Palace.
The report claims the Ligue 1 club are willing to open negotiations over a £20m deal, with two-years still remaining on his Roazhon Park deal.
Sheffield United eye Aston Villa talent
Sheffield United have already begun their planning for next season after a disappointing Championship campaign.
The Blades are said to have already identified a host of wingers, who could fit the billing at Bramall Lane.
Our sister paper, the Sheffield Star, have claimed Aston Villa forward Lewis Dobbin is on the Blades’ shopping list after an outstanding season with Preston North End.
The 23-year-old has netted 10 goals and provided eight assists for the Lilywhites, who are also keen to re-sign the young talent in the window.
It remains to be seen whether the Steel City side make a permanent or loan swoop for the England youth international, who has featured twice against Pompey this term.