Blues facing Oxford battle in bid to land prospect Ennis on loan from Wolves 6
Pompey
are chasing Wolves’ young striker Niall Ennis.
The promising young attacking talent is on the Blues’ hit-list to bolster their attacking resources for the season ahead.
Kenny Jackett is in the market for pace up front, and is looking for something different from his existing options in that department.
Reports emerged earlier this week that Ennis was a player Pompey are considering, with Oxford United also said to be keen.
Ennis fits the bill as the type of addition he’s looking for, and is expected to go out on loan from Molineux before the transfer deadline on October 16.
Crucially, the 21-year-old falls within the age range to not be counted towards the new squad restrictions voted in by League One club, with teams now limited to 22 player over that threshold.
Ennis spent last season out on loan with League
One rivals Doncaster, where he made 32 appearances and scored six goals - including a run of four goals in nine games before the season was suspended.
The speedy attacker is a player known to Jackett, with the Pompey boss giving him his first senior deal at Wolves when he was manager there in 2015.
Such was the anticipation around Ennis, he was offered a three-year contract before he’d reached his 17th birthday.
His current agreement ties him to the Premier League side until 2022, but he’s been restricted to one substitute appearances there in the FA Cup in 2019 and three outings for their under-21 team in the EFL Trophy.
Pompey have recruited five players this summer, and are also in the market for a creative midfielder before the transfer deadline.
The Blues managed to get
Sean Raggett to join the club permanently after a successful loan stint last term.
Full-backs Cameron
Pring (season loan from Bristol City and Callum Johnson (Accrington) have also arrived.
Crucially, Jackett managed to recruit an attacking midfielder, with former Wigan man Michael Jacobs arriving on a free transfer. Meanwhile,
Danish defender Rasmus Nicolaisen has joined on loan for the season from FC Midtjylland.
Goals scored by Niall Ennis in 32 outings during a loan spell at Doncaster last term