Premier League trio eye £1m former Portsmouth trialist as Championship rivals target Bristol City forward

Pompey secured their Championship status for another season in midweek, with John Mousinho’s troops now holding an unassailable advantage over the relegation zone.

Attention has already turned to next term for the Blues, with planning and preparation set to begin ahead of a hugely-important summer transfer window.

The head coach told The News this morning that discussions will take place with owners Tornante next week to discuss how the club progresses moving forward.

It’s poised to be a busy period in terms of incomings and outgoings at Fratton Park, with another squad rebuild potentially on the cards.

Elsewhere, sides across the Championship are getting ready for the summer as they put together their shopping list.

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

Former Pompey trialist on transfer radar

QPR striker Rumarn Burrell is on the radar of a host of clubs in the Premier League ahead of the upcoming transfer window.

The 25-year-old has enjoyed an outstanding campaign in front of goal at Loftus Road, netting 10 goals and registering three assists in 29 Championship outings to date.

However, the frontman is attracting strong interest, with Bournemouth, Sunderland and already-relegated Wolves all believed to be keeping tabs.

That’s according to Football Insider, who have claimed Burrell has admirers in English football’s top flight after an outstanding maiden season in the Championship.

The Jamaica international, of course, spent time on trial at Fratton Park in 2022, with former boss Danny Cowley hoping to bolster his forward line.

Despite outings against the Hawks and Gosport, the forward was unable to earn a deal at PO4 and went on to appear for Kilmarnock, Falkirk, Cove Rangers and Burton Albion.

Burrell, who completed a £1m switch from the Brewers last summer, still has four-years remaining on his current terms in west London.

Relegation rivals eye Bristol City man

A trio of Pompey’s Championship rivals are tracking Bristol City wide man Mark Sykes, according to reports.

Football Insider have suggested Blackburn Rovers are favourites to sign the 28-year-old, who is set to depart Ashton Gate for free this summer.

The report has claimed Preston North End and Charlton Athletic are also chasing the winger’s signature, with his four-year stay at the Robins set to come to a close at the end of the season.

The Northern Ireland international has netted 18 goals and amassed 11 assists in 152 outings in all competitions following his switch from Oxford United in 2022.

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Southampton talent a target in Brazil

Southampton defender Welington is attracting strong interest in South America.

Brazilian news outlet, Bolavip, have revealed the left-back is on the radar of top-flight outfits Palmeiras, Internacional and Flamengo.

The 25-year-old has been tipped with a departure from St Mary’s this summer, with his game-time in the Championship coming at a premium this term.

Welington has amassed 18 appearances in all competitions with Pompey’s south-coast rivals, but did start January’s derby at Fratton Park.

Since his switch from Sao Paulo in January 2025, the full-back has totalled 29 outings for Southampton during an 18-month stay.

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