West Ham admire Portsmouth-linked winger as Championship rivals plot Sunderland raid

Pompey are a week into a three-week international break, which has brought their Championship campaign to a brief halt.

The Blues have had a mixed start to the new season, picking up eight points from their opening seven matches and currently sit 19th in the standings.

John Mousinho’s men return to action against Southampton in a fortnight’s time when they make the short trip across the M27 to face their fierce rivals.

The head coach’s troops will be looking for their first win at St Mary’s since 2010 and will have a couple of key personnel returning from the sidelines.

Marko Milovanovic and Keshi Anderson are both expected to return to the fold after respective injury issues, while Conor Shaughnessy will be assessed.

While all eyes are on the upcoming south-coast derby at Fratton Park, clubs across the Championship are already looking ahead to the January transfer window.

Here are the latest transfer headlines involving Pompey’s second-tier rivals.

West Ham admirers of Pompey and Southampton-linked winger

West Ham are admirers of Pompey-linked winger Solly March, according to reports.

But any move for the winger has been ruled out, however, with Nuno Espirito Santo not looking to delve into the free agent market following the window’s conclusion.

The Hammers were touted with a move for the 32-year-old last week before respected outlet Hammers News put to bed any speculation of a swoop.

The report states March’s concerning injury record was a leading factor behind the club’s decision not to pursue a move.

The attacker has been restricted to just 19 league appearances in the previous three campaigns prior for Brighton due to respective knee issues.

Following his Amex Stadium release at the end of last term, the former England youth international was touted with a number of Championship clubs - including Pompey.

The Blues were linked with March, along with the likes of Southampton, Wrexham, Burnley and Watford, while Premier League side Crystal Palace were also named in the report.

However, The News quickly rubbished any speculation of a Fratton Park switch and is someone not on the radar of the Blues’ football operations.

March spent his whole career with the Seagulls, netting 26 goals and collecting 31 assists in 300 outings in all competitions before his summer exit.

Blackburn Rovers eye Sunderland raid

Blackburn Rovers are reportedly interested in Sunderland attacker Timur Tutyerov.

Transfer guru Alan Nixon has claimed Tony Mowbray is planning a raid on his former club in January, with the 21-year-old on Rovers’ radar.

It is believed the Black Cats are willing to sanction a loan exit for the versatile winger, who is struggling to make a first-team impact at the Stadium of Light.

Tutyerov has registered just one senior outing for Sunderland, with his sole outing coming against Hull City in the Carabao Cup last month.

Indeed, Blackburn are already said to be plotting a move for the Ukrainian youth international in January as Mowbray looks to bolster his ranks.

Rovers currently sit one point above Mousinho’s troops in the early-season standings after the 2-2 draw at Fratton Park last-time out.

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