Portsmouth rivals target £2m international ace as Leeds handed Premier League transfer blow

New faces were promised on the south coast this transfer window and while Jordan Williams has been welcomed to the party, the Pompey faithful will hope he’s far from the only new player added to the soon-to-be Championship squad.

We may soon be greeted with the exceptionally encouraging news that Marlon Park has extended his stay in PO7 by two years but John Mousinho remains tight-lipped on when any new squad members could be heading to Fratton Park.

While we patiently await the transfer updates, here is the latest news from around Pompey’s Championship rivals...

Pompey rivals target £2m international star

Watford are reportedly targeting the Maccabi Haifa striker Frantzdy Pierrot as they seek to bolster their attacking options ahead of what they hope to be a less challenging Championship season in 2024/25. The side finished 15th in the league but with Tom Cleverly now at the helm, they will be hopeful of fighting for at least a spot in the play-offs by the end of the next campaign.

According to the sports journalist Alan Nixon, Pierrot could be available for around £1.7 million this summer. He is keen to experience life in the EFL and supposedly the Hornets are the club willing to offer him that opportunity.

The 29-year-old striker played 50 games across all competitions, scoring 26 goals and contributing eight further assists. The Haiti international also has the added bonus of 30 caps for his nation, with 21 international goals.

The forward, who stands at 6ft 4in tall, has experience playing football all over the world - including the USA, Belgium, France and most latterly Israel. He has always produced the goal-scoring goods and with his contract running out next summer, he is available for a relatively cheap price.

Leeds United handed Premier League transfer blow

Leeds United have been handed a huge transfer blow in their pursuit of the West Ham defender Ben Johnson. Their former Championship rivals Ipswich Town - who narrowly beat them to the second promotion spot last campaign - are said to be closing in on the signing of the full-back this summer.

Irons’ star Johnson is set to be available as a free agent from the start of next month, opening the door for Ipswich to pursue a move. The 24-year-old struggled for game time in Stratford, making just 14 appearances in the Premier League and only four as a starter.

As he eyes a club that could offer him more consistent game time, Daniel Farke’s Leeds had been hopeful they could provide such an opportunity as the Whites seek to improve their defensive options.

However, Ipswich have once again beaten the Elland Road side and it is understood that a five-year deal is to be completed in the coming days and, while he is yet to put pen to paper, Johnson is yet to change his mind. Leeds are still said to be in the mix for Chelsea’s Alfie Gilchrist who could be a solid alternative if the Tractor Boys do in fact get Johnson’s deal over the line.