Transfer gossip: Portsmouth 'enquire' about Brighton midfielder Andrew Moran who shone during loans at Stoke and Blackburn Rovers
Pompey have been linked with a move for a Brighton player with the January transfer window now open for business
With the January transfer window officially open for business, Pompey are being linked with a move for Brighton midfielder Andrew Moran.
That’s according to the BBC’s Chris Wise, who has claimed the Blues have made enquiries about the Republic of Ireland international as John Mousinho looks to bolster his ranks for the second half of the season.
Moran, who has been with the Seagulls since moving from League of Ireland side Bray Wanderers in 2020, has made one first-team appearance for the Premier League outift.
The 22-year-old has recently returned to Brighton following a loan stint with LAFC in the MLS over the first half of the campaign.
When in America, he featured 10 times for Steve Cherundolo’s side as they reached the quarter-finals of the MLS quarter-finals.
Moran registered two goal contributions during his time with LAFC and started four times - including their final match of the season against Vancouver Whitecaps on November 23.
But he offers bags of Championship experience, having featured 35 times in the league for Stoke last season while on loan.
Moran also featured 35 times for Blackburn Rovers in the Championship the year before, registering two goals and six assists in the prcoess.
Before moving to the States in August, it was claimed that clubs in Germany were also keen on the Irishman.
What’s been said about Pompey and Andrew Moran
A co-host of BBC Radio Solent’s Who Needs Mourinho? podcast, Wise made his information public via X.
He admitted, though, that Pompey faced competition for Moran’s services.
He posted: ‘Understand #Pompey have enquired about the possibility of taking Brighton midfielder Andrew Moran in January.
‘Irish international, who has recently returned from a loan with LAFC & had previous spells at Blackburn and Stoke.
‘Moran likely to have several options though. #bhafc.’
It’s not clear if he Blues are interested in a loan or permanent move. Flashscore.co.uk value the player at €3.3m, with Moran contracted to the Amex Stadium outfit until 2028.
Pompey need midfield reinforcements with summer signings John Swift, Mark Kosznovszky and Luke Le Roux struggling over the first half of the season.
Hurzeler: Moran is a player I really like
The Brighton Argus claim Moran has been training with the Seaguls since his return to the club.
During his stint in LA, Brighton boss Hurzeler said: ‘Andrew is a player I really like, because I think he has an unbelievable attitude.
‘I was thinking about him of letting him in the team, but we had such a big squad so we had to make a decision.
‘That is the best for him to go loan.
‘It doesn't surprise me that he's doing that well because he's a great lad.
‘He has a really good attitude inside of him. He's a great football player and I hope that he continues in this shape.’
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