Portsmouth relegation rivals eyeing £1m swoop as Sheffield United plot ambitious move for Aston Villa man
The latest transfer headlines involving Pompey’s Championship rivals.
The wait for Pompey’s first January signing is over, with Millenic Alli arriving on loan from Luton Town.
John Mousinho is hopeful of landing up to six new faces before the February 2 deadline as he looks to strengthen ahead of a huge second-half of the season.
The head coach, though, isn’t anticipating any imminent exits, with nine current members of his squad on the sidelines.
Elsewhere, gossip and speculation is ramping up across the Championship as clubs bid to put their transfer plans in place.
Here are the latest headlines involving Pompey’s second-tier rivals.
Oxford eye £1m man
Oxford United are looking to splash the cash as they hope to move out of the Championship relegation zone.
It’s been a busy start to the month at the Kassam Stadium, with Matt Bloomfield replacing Gary Rowett at the helm.
Meanwhile, the U’s added Jamie Donley to the ranks on loan from Spurs for the remainder of the campaign, while former Pompey loanee Myles Peart-Harris secured a permanent switch from Brentford.
The Blues’ relegation rivals aren’t finished in the window, though, with reports emerging over a potential swoop for Nottingham Forest talent Jamie McDonnell.
Transfer guru Alan Nixon has revealed Bloomfield’s side are ‘plotting’ a move for the defensive midfielder as the head coach looks to bolster his engine room.
The report also claims the U’s are attempting to land the 21-year-old in a £1m deal, with add-ons as they look to splash the cash in January.
McDonnell is currently impressing on loan with Mansfield, but could have his stay witht he League One outfit cut short in order to complete the switch to the Kassam Stadium.
Oxford currently sit three points away from Pompey and - more importantly - safety in 23rd position.
Blades backed for Barkley
Sheffield United are attempting an eye-catching swoop to land former England international Ross Barkley.
That’s according to Football Insider, who have revealed the Blades are interested in the Aston Villa man and are looking to pursue a loan deal for the remainder of the season.
Chris Wilder’s men are believed to hoping to land an ambitious move for the 32-year-old, whose Villa Park contract comes to a close at the end of the campaign.
Barkley has spent 18 months with Unai Emery’s men, which has seen him amass 37 appearances and featured eight times in the Champions League last term.
Sheffield United sit seven points above Pompey in the standings and are poised to make the trip to Fratton Park on February 14.
Trio try for Tom Lawrence
A trio of Pompey’s relegation rivals are looking at the possibility of recruiting former Rangers and Derby County midfielder Tom Lawrence this month.
The Daily Mail have claimed Charlton Athletic, Norwich City and Blackburn Rovers are all monitoring the 32-year-old, who is thriving down under in the A-League.
The classy operator, who made the move to Perth Glory in October, has excelled in Australia, which has seen him score five and assist two in his first nine games.
That head-turning form has seen him linked with a return to the UK, having departed Rangers in the summer.
Now it's been reported that a move to the Blues’ relegation rivals is on the cards, with the trio currently scrapping in the survival battle.
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