Intriguing Portsmouth transfer development involving £2m Oxford United winger Stanley Mills as clubs circle

Pompey have been credited with an interest in Oxford United’s in-demand winger Stanley Mills.

The Blues are believed to have been one of a host of Championship clubs keen on the highly-rated 22-year-old during the window amid uncertainty over his Kassam Stadium future.

A fresh update from Sky Sports News has stated John Mousinho’s men were interested in the talented attacker, who collected seven goal contributions for the U’s last term, earlier this summer.

The report also states Stoke City and fellow second-tier clubs had Mills on their transfer radar with his stock at a career high following an impressive campaign for relegated Oxford.

But the in-demand forward is now reportedly poised to join Preston North End, who have fended off Championship competition to secure his signature - with Pompey instead landing prime target Abu Kamara.

The same article claims the Lilywhites have agreed a deal in the region of £2m to sign the former Everton youngster, although uncertainty still surrounds the move.

Aaron Ramsey’s men are, of course, still under a transfer embargo and have reiterated no more players will leave before the September 2 deadline.

Instead, they’re hoping to keep hold of Mills and other in-demand figures until the January market when their FA ban has been lifted.

Preston, who have already signed Alfie Devine from Spurs for £6m and Delano Burgzorg on loan from Middlesbrough, are wanting to complete the deal this summer as Paul Heckingbottom continues his attacking overhaul.

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Stanley Mills linked with Pompey

Mills enjoyed a brilliant emergence in the Championship for Oxford last season, netting three goals and collecting four assists on his way to earning the club’s player of the year award.

His form alerted a number of clubs following the Us’ relegation to League One, with Sky Sports stating Pompey were one of those potential suitors earlier this summer.

That ship looks to have sailed, though, with the Blues since recruiting Kamara in a £2.5m deal from Hull City on Monday - a similar figure which reportedly would’ve been required to prize Mills away from the Kassam Stadium.

It is understood the Fratton favourite will become Mousinho’s main man on the right wing following his multi-million pound capture, with Mills seen as an alternative in the event of missing out on the 23-year-old.

Kamara is expected to be joined by Ryan Kavuma-McQueen, who is closing in on a temporary switch from Chelsea.

The Stamford Bridge youngster is finalising his season-long loan agreement from south London and will offer much-needed depth to the head coach’s options out wide.

That follows news of a fresh injury blow to Franco Umeh, who is now expected to be sidelined for an extended period after tearing his hamstring.

Meanwhile, Havey Blair, who is also set to miss Saturday’s opener against QPR with a hip issue, has been recently linked with a switch to Polish side Widzew Łódź, Swiss outfit Servette and Hungarian side Ferencváros.

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