Portsmouth relegation rivals weigh-up ambitious managerial move as Southampton land free-agent signing

Pompey turn their attention to their crucial contest against Sheffield United this weekend, looking for a return to winning ways following their 1-0 defeat to Preston North End last time out.

John Mousinho has labelled Colby Bishop’s chances of a return as 50/50 for Saturday’s fixture, although January signing Keshi Anderson will play no part against the Blades.

The winger is set to miss 6-8 weeks due to a hamstring issue sustained in training last week and adds to the Blues injury concerns.

The head coach has touted at the possibility of utilising the free-agent market, but admitted there are no options that suited them at present.

Although the transfer window has slammed shut, there is plenty of movement across the Championship in both the manager and player markets.

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

Blackburn make moves in manager search

Blackburn Rovers are still conducting their search for Valerien Ismael’s replacement.

It’s been a frustrating campaign at Ewood Park, with Rovers currently occupying a spot in the Championship’s bottom three.

Pompey’s relegation rivals sit just a point below the Blues as the fight for survival begins to heat up ahead of an all-important second half of the season.

Blackburn remain managerless after the Frenchman’s sacking at the end of January, with a host of names being touted with the vacancy.

After Rovers moved their search away from Gary Rowett, the Lancashire outfit have now earmarked Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill as a potential candidate.

That’s according to transfer guru Alan Nixon, who has revealed Rovers are weighing up an ambitious move to land the 56-year-old to help with their relegation battle.

The former Stoke City boss penned a five-and-a-half-year deal in 2022 and guided Northern Ireland to World Cup play-off qualification last year.

The Green and White Army face Italy in their semi-final tie before taking on either Wales or Bosnia in their second play-off contest should they progress.

The report claims Blackburn would allow O’Neill to continue with the national side, while also taking the reins at Ewood Park.

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Southampton swoop for free agent

Southampton have delved into the free-agent market to bolster Tonda Eckert’s goalkeeping options.

Pompey’s south-coast rivals have signed experienced keeper Jamie Jones as emergency cover for Alex McCarthy, who is set for a spell on the sidelines with a wrist injury.

The 36-year-old arrives on a short-term deal for the remainder of the campaign, with his most recent spell coming with non-league outfit Warrington.

The shot-stopper has a wealth of experience in the second-tier, which has seen him feature for Preston North End, Blackburn, Middlesbrough, Coventry City and more.

Southampton currently sit 13 points above the Blues following Tuesday’s 4-3 triumph over Leicester City.

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