Derby County eyeing Rangers raid ahead of Portsmouth contest as Championship trio plot Sunderland swoop
The latest transfer headlines involving Pompey and their Championship rivals.
Pompey earned a significant comeback victory against early-season relegation rivals Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.
Although a busy festive period lies ahead for John Mousinho’s men, the January window is on the horizon and only a matter of weeks away.
It’s expected to be hectic on the south coast, with incomings and outgoings anticipated ahead of a hugely-important second half of the campaign.
Elsewhere, gossip and speculation is doing the rounds involving Pompey’s Championship rivals as the clock ticks towards the January 1 opening.
Here are the latest transfer headlines involving Pompey’s rivals.
Derby deal for Rangers man
Derby County are reportedly eyeing a January move for Rangers midfielder Joe Rothwell.
That’s according to transfer guru Alan Nixon, who has claimed the 30-year-old is on the Rams’ radar as John Eustace looks to strengthen his engine room next month.
The former Leeds United man only arrived at Ibrox in the summer but has fallen down the pecking order under new boss Danny Rohl.
Rothwell has amassed 18 outings for the Scottish Premiership outfit this term, but has featured just once under the head coach following his appointment in October.
The experienced operator is expected to depart Rangers in January, with Derby favourites to pounce on his signature. Sheffield United have previously been linked with a swoop earlier in the season.
Sunderland swoop for Championship trio
Anthony Patterson is on the radar of a host of Championship sides ahead of the January window.
Alan Nixon has suggested as many as three of Pompey’s rivals are looking to strike a deal for the Sunderland goalkeeper next month.
The report claims the 25-year-old is being eyed by QPR, Southampton and Leicester City after a frustrating start to the campaign.
Patterson has fallen down the goalkeeping ranks at the Stadium of Light following their promotion to the Premier League, featuring just once this term.
This will see the Black Cats sanction a loan exit for the shot stopper in the upcoming window in a bid to earn more game time.
The former England youth international was central to Sunderland’s promotion-winning season in the Championship last term, which also saw him keep a clean sheet in January’s triumph against Pompey.
Swansea and Stoke set for transfer battle
Swansea City and Stoke City are both plotting moves for RB Salzburg midfielder Mamady Diambou.
A report from Africa Foot has claimed Pompey’s rivals are interested in the 23-year-old, who is said to have admirers across Europe.
The two-cap Mali international is reportedly on the radar of clubs in Spain, Turkey and Italy as well as the Championship duo, who are keen to make a swoop in January.
The exciting talent has featured against Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League already during his career and has featured 13 times in all competitions this season.