Former Portsmouth favourite emerges in running for Rangers vacancy as Wrexham close in on new signing
The latest headline involving Pompey’s Championship rivals.
The second international break of the season is well underway, with John Mousinho and his players taking a well-earned rest before action resumes next week.
Following the victory at Fratton Park, there has been talk of a potential move for Patrick Bamford, with reports on Monday evening suggesting Pompey were keen to land the free-agent striker.
We’ve taken a look at the key headlines doing the rounds involving the Blues and their Championship rivals.
Gary O’Neil in Rangers running
Former Pompey midfielder Gary O’Neil has emerged high in the running to replace Russell Martin at Rangers.
The 40-year-old has been without a job since December 2024 after being sacked by Wolves after a difficult start to the 2024-25 campaign.
With the Scottish Premiership outfit now on the search for a new head coach, the ex-Bournemouth boss has emerged as a potential candidate, according to the latest odds by talkSPORT BET.
Steven Gerrard, Sean Dyche and Danny Rohl remain favourites at present, with O’Neil currently ranking sixth in the running.
Rangers sit eighth in Scotland’s top flight and sacked ex-Southampton head coach Russell Martin on Sunday following their 1-1 draw against lowly Falkirk.
After coming through the ranks at Fratton Park, O’Neil amassed 192 outings for Pompey, which included winning the Division One title in 2003, before his departure in 2007.
Wrexham close in on signing
Wrexham are closing in on the signing of Australian stopper Sam Hocking, according to reports.
Transfer guru Pete O’Rourke has revealed the Red Dragons are set to snap up the 18-year-old, having enjoyed a successful trial in north Wales.
The young keeper has also spent time with Middlesbrough and Preston North End but has since earned a deal at the Racecourse Ground.
Sheehan’s striker admission
Alan Sheehan has explained January signing Melkel Widell’s continued absence from his Swansea City side.
The striker, who made the move from Danish side Aalborg for £3m, has struggled for game time in recent weeks - clocking up just three minutes of action in the Swans’ past six Championship matches.
But Sheehan admitted the 23-year-old still needs to improve before a potential recall to the side, having been left out of the last three squads.
The head coach told Wales Online: ‘I've had numerous talks with Melker. Melker is a top lad. He is such a good lad. His attitude is wonderful. He will get there. He's not there yet. He's got things he needs to improve on like every player.
‘In terms of how he trains every day, how he is around the place, he's excellent. And he's going to be involved for us. He obviously signed here on a long-term contract and he's massively part of our plans.’