‘An exciting step’: Rocco Shein’s response to Portsmouth interest amid transfer chase for £4.2m-rated midfielder wanted by Cardiff City and Millwall
The Fredrikstad FK and Estonia international has responded to questions over a transfer to Fratton Park this summer.
Rocco Shein admitted a move to the Championship would represent an ‘exciting step’ in his career as Pompey pursue the midfielder.
The Estonia international emerged as a new transfer target for the Blues last night, as they look ready to spend this summer to accelerate their progress in the second tier.
Shein is rated between £2.5m and £4.2m by Norwegian outfit Fredikstad FK, where he has plied his trade since the start of last year.
Championship rivals Millwall and Cardiff City are also said to be keen on the 22-year-old, but it's the Blues who are now said to be the ‘hottest option’ in the hunt for Shein, according to reports in Norway.
Shein has been upfront about his position over a move to England, with the prospect clearly appealing to the former Utrecht and Dordrecht man.
The 25-cap international is aware of the speculation over his position, with another two-and-a-half years to run on his FFK deal.
And he's now been specifically asked about the prospect of a move to Fratton Park this summer.
When asked about Pompey’s interest, Shein told the Fredrikstad Blad: ‘I have only heard of interest from England.
‘It would have been an exciting step for sure. But now I'm an FFK player.
‘I've noticed that there has been a lot of interest, but to be honest, I choose to turn off my phone when it's on. I want to have full focus on what I'm going to do here in Fredrikstad.
‘As I said, I have noticed that there have been some writings and rumors. But I can't focus on that. It would be disrespectful to FFK, which is my club.'
News of Pompey’s interest follows on from striker Marko Milovanović becoming a serious striker option.
The UD Almeria front man is keen on a move to Fratton Park and would represent another clear statement of Championship intent.
That's with the powerhouse a clear incursion into the £2m-£5m spending bracket referenced by boss John Mousinho at the end of last season.
Free agent Archie Collins is reportedly of interest to Pompey, as he becomes a free agent when leaving Peterborough United this summer.
Hungarian Mate Tuboly is another midfielder who has been linked with Pompey along with Dutchman Gibson Yah, but Bristol City look set to capture the 22-year-old as he leaves Volendam.