Transfer latest: Rivals end interest in reported Portsmouth target and Liverpool defender Luke Chambers

The race for reported Pompey target Luke Chambers has taken a fresh twist.

QPR have cooled their interest in the young left-back, leaving the Blues to battle it out with Blackburn Rovers for the England under-20 international’s signature.

Pompey’s apparent admiration for the 22-year-old emerged on Tuesday as John Mousinho looks to add another defender to his ranks amid Connor Ogilvie’s recovery from knee surgery and Jacob Farrell being told he is free to leave.

It’s understood that Liverpool will delay letting Chambers leave on loan until the final throws of the transfer window as Red boss Andoni Iraola continues to take stock of his defensive options at Anfield.

That means right-back Zak Swanson will continue to deputise on the left, something he’s become accustomed to since the back end of last season and a role he fulfilled during Pompey’s Championship defeat to QPR on Saturday.

Yet Chambers is not an option the Rs will continue to explore between now and transfer deadline day on Tuesday, September 1.

According to boss Julien Stephan, they have no plans to further recruit in that position after completing deals for NAC Breda left-back Boy Kemper and former Sunderland favourite Dennis Cirkin during the current window.

Confirming his stance when asked if Chambers remained a target, Stephan told West London Sport: ‘No – we took Dennis last week, so I’m very happy with Kemper, Cirkin and Kealey Adamson, who came (to) play on the left side (against Pompey).

‘(Fellow new signing) Tariq Lamptey can play on the left side as well, so I think we have enough options in this position.’

Chambers, who has been with Liverpool since the age of six, has made four senior appearances for the Reds.

The Preston-born defender spent the second half of last season on loan at Charlton, where he made 18 appearances.

He also featured numerous times for Liverpool in pre-season, featuring at centre-back during the win against Wrexham.

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