Championship rivals hand Portsmouth transfer boost in reported pursuit of in-demand striker
In-demand Burton Albion attacker Tyrese Shade is reportedly wanted by Pompey this summer.
Lincoln City have turned to another transfer target to answer their centre-forward problems amid their reported pursuit of Tyrese Shade.
The Burton Albion attacker is believed to have interest at Sincil Bank this summer, with Pompey and Charlton Athletic also said to be keen.
In fact, Tom Shaw and Chris Cohen’s men reportedly had multiple £2m bids rejected by the Brewers for the 26-year-old, who is expected to depart the Pirelli Stadium before the window’s climax.
But the Championship new-boys appear to have turned their attention elsewhere, recruiting versatile attacker Ethan Wheatley on loan from Manchester United.
Lincoln City sign attacker despite interest in Burton Albion attacker
The Imps, who are winless following defeats in their opening two Championship matches, confirmed the 20-year-old has penned a season-long agreement at Sincil Bank.
The Old Trafford youth product, who has registered four first-team appearances for the Red Devils, collected six goal contributions in League One for relegated Northampton Town during the first half of last season before ending the campaign with Bradford City.
And sporting director Jez George explained the reasons behind Lincoln’s surprise swoop for the versatile Wheatley, which now casts doubt on their pursuit of Shade.
Speaking on the club’s official website, he said: ‘This has been a signing that, for reasons out of our hands, has been delayed by a few weeks, so we are delighted to finally get it done.
‘Ethan can play anywhere across the top line and has a skill set that will add elite athleticism and pace, as well as technical ability, to our attacking options.
‘We have tracked Ethan since his first loan at Walsall and, after speaking with staff at Manchester United and meeting Ethan ourselves, we know he has benefited from his previous loans and is ready for this challenge.
‘He has the attributes, versatility, maturity and work ethic to make a real impact for us at the top end of our team.’
Pompey’s reported interest in Tyrese Shade
John Mousinho is still looking to strengthen his arsenal before the window’s climax, with less than a week left in the market.
The St Kitts and Nevis international, who netted 14 goals for the Brewers last term, primarily operates in a central role, but can be utilised out wide.
However, the forward is expected to leave the Brewers before deadline day, with Pompey, Charlton Athletic and Lincoln City all reportedly interest.
Shade has missed Burton’s opening three matches of the new season amid ongoing speculation over his future and is entering the final 12 months of his deal at the Pirelli Stadium.