Rumours of players linked with a Blues move in January rated
ALREADY ten players have been linked with a Pompey move in January.
Of course not all will arrive.
Indeed, none are guaranteed to sign given the fact that all but a few are classified as ‘reported targets’.
However, there’s no getting away from the fact that
Danny Cowley has his sights set on up to five players arriving at Fratton Park next month.
The head coach has admitted he wants to add two or three permanent signings in January to bolster his squad long term.
Meanwhile, it is expected that two of Pompey’s five season-long loanees will depart PO4 next month as the Blues’ boss targets two more temporary incomings.
Here, we take a look at every player the Blues have been linked with ahead of the January window and give the rumour a rating out of five...
MATT JAY RUMOUR RATING: 1/5
The Exeter attacking midfielder was the first player to be linked with the Blues following the closure of the summer window.
Back in September, Football League World reported that Pompey were one of 20 clubs interested in the 25-year-old.
The Grecians’ captain is contracted to St James Park until 2023, meaning only a sizeable bid would prise him out of the West Country.
With Marcus Harness making the number 10 role his own, it would be difficult to see how Jay would fit into this current Blues squad.
DYLAN BAHAMBOULA RUMOUR RATING: 1/5
The creative Oldham midfielder was linked to Pompey in October alongside Championship sides Barnsley and Millwall.
The 25-year-old is currently contracted to Boundary Park until next summer, so any January bid could be enough to persuade the Latics to let go of their star man or risk losing him for nothing in the summer.
JAMES NORWOOD RUMOUR RATING: 1/5
One of Ipswich’s many forward options was a forgotten man under former boss Paul Cook and was placed on the transfer list, sparking rumours of a move to fellow League One sides. He was linked to Pompey soon afterwards in November, but Danny Cowley waved away the claims, saying the 31-year-old did not fit his style. Since Cook’s departure, Norwood has been given a fresh start and prior to last night had scored in his last two League One outings.
NESTA GUINNESS-WALKER RUMOUR RATING: 4/5
The AFC Wimbledon leftback is in high demand with a host of Championship and League One clubs eyeing a move for the 22-year-old.
With left-backs Lee Brown and Liam Vincent both on the way back from injury, it was revealed by TheSun on Sunday that Cowley was interested in the hot prospect and that he would have funds available.
Guinness-Walker, left, is out of contract in the summer, meaning a cut-price move could be on in January as Pompey face a battle to lure him away from a move to the Championship.
LIAM CULLEN RUMOUR RATING: 5/5
Alongside League One rivals Lincoln, there has been speculation in the past week that Pompey have also made a loan enquiry for out-of-favour Swansea striker Liam Cullen – a rumour which The News has been able to back up.
A temporary move for the 22-year-old could be on the cards as the forward has been restricted to just 12 Championship games this season.
And in those 12 matches, the Welshman has failed to hit the back of the net.
KYLE WOOTTON RUMOUR RATING: 5/5
Notts County’s star man is apparently high on Cowley’s list as he looks to bring in a new centre-forward in January.
At the end of November it was reported by The News that Cowley had been in attendance for County’s FA Cup first-round replay against Rochdale to scout out the 25-year-old.
Wootton has scored 10 goals in 19 National League appearances this term and has failed to rule out an exit from Nottingham amid speculation of a move to League One.
RICKI LAMIE RUMOUR RATING: 1/5
The Motherwell central defender was wanted by one League One side earlier this month but no name had been given.
With the 28-year-old’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, it has opened the door to a potential January move.
However, the
Blues’ boss distanced himself from the reports and admitted he knew little about the defender, effectively ruling Pompey out of a deal.
GEORGIE KELLY RUMOUR RATING: 3/5
The Bohemians striker is out of contract at the end of the month, meaning the Blues could sign the 25-year-old for free in January.
Reported by The News at the end of last month, it was revealed Pompey were interested in the striker, who scored 26 goals in all competitions this season.
Cowley has since cooled the interest, denying that the Irishman was linked with a move to PO4, with Sunderland, Wigan and Preston now also interested.
WILL BOYLE RUMOUR RATING: 4/5
The most recent January link came on Sunday as Gloucestershire Live reported that Pompey were in the hunt for Cheltenham’s captain.
It is believed that the 26-year-old, who is out of contract next summer, will be made available for a January move, with the Blues being the early favourites for the centre-half.
Boyle has scored 23 goals during his four-year stay at Cheltenham and would be the perfect fit for Cowley as he looks to strengthen his resolute but injury-hit back line.
KIERAN SADLIER RUMOUR RATING: 2/5
Reports this week suggested that the Blues were interested in pursuing a move for the winger.
They also suggested that Pompey are set to battle it out with Charlton and Bolton for the signature of the former Republic under-21 international.
The 27-year-old was a target of the south coast club in 2018, before choosing Doncaster as his destination.
After a move to Rotherham in 2020, Sadlier played 15 times in the Championship, scoring just once, but this term he has featured 11 times in League One, again netting just once.
With his contract expiring in the summer, speculation over his future has grown.
However, a move to Pompey may prove tough, with
Cowley already limited on what fees can be spent on players in January – should his high earners stay put.
Should the Blues pursue the Rotherham man, a loan option may be the best solution, which may open the door to a free transfer in the summer.
A switch next month appears a stretch at present, simply because Pompey’s priorities lie in other areas at present.