Blues zero in on Black Cats left-sided talent
POMPEY are closing in on a deal for Sunderland’s Denver Hume.
The Blues are becoming increasingly confident of making the left-sided player their third addition of the January window.
Sunderland boss Lee Johnson confirmed Danny Cowley’s interest in the 23-year-old, who was left out of Johnson’s squad in Saturday’s meeting between the two clubs at the Stadium of Light.
Pompey are also keen on Wigan’s Tom Pearce, but it appears Hume is the man in the frame to fill the left wing-back position Cowley is desperate to recruit in.
Speaking after Saturday’s game, Johnson said: ‘There is interest from Portsmouth.
‘Nothing has been agreed yet but I believe there have been verbal offers.
‘I took the decision to leave Denver out, because I felt it was fair on him.
‘If he comes on and scores the winner, it could become difficult for him.
‘If Danny Cowley asks for him for our team, it’s difficult.
‘He had the day off yesterday and I just felt it was the right thing to do.
‘But if it goes past this week and nothing gets done, then he will absolutely be part of our squad moving forward.’
■ POMPEY look set to miss out on one of their attacking January targets with Cameron Archer set to move to the Championship, according to reports.
Aston Villa’s young goal machine was on Danny Cowley’s transfer radar, with the Blues’ boss talking of his admiration for the 20-yearold, but it’s Preston who look set to get their man.
A host of Championship and League One clubs are keen on the talent who’s bagged 10 goals in the Carabao Cup and Papa
John’s Trophy for Villa this term.
Charlton, Sunderland, Lincoln and Sheffield Wednesday are interested in League One, with the likes of Stoke, Coventry and Derby in the Championship on Archer’s trail.
But reports in the midlands over the weekend suggest it’s Preston who are set to land the player, who’s seen as one of the brightest of an array of emerging
Villa talent.
Archer was left out of Steven Gerrard’s squad for their 1-0 win away to Everton on Saturday.
Cowley is still keen to add to his attacking options this month, despite the arrival of Tyler Walker on loan from Coventry last week.
John Marquis, Gassan Ahadme and Ellis Harrison have all departed this month, to Lincoln, Burton and Fleetwood respectively.