Portsmouth rivals handed huge transfer boost in ex-Celtic star chase as EFL star attracts PL interest

John Mousinho and the Fratton Park board recently handed the faithful Pompey fans a positive transfer message by confirming to the News that the club were ‘relatively close’ to strengthening their squad for the grand Championship return.

It’s reported that there could be some new faces in PO7 before the week is out, with new names set to join Jordan Williams in becoming summer 2024 acquisitions. The ex-Barnsley right-back marks the Blues’ only piece of business this transfer window so far but, while we await the news of more arrivals on the south coast, here is the latest news from Pompey’s soon-to-be Championship rivals...

Derby handed huge boost in pursuit of key winger

Derby County have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of the Brest winger Karamoko Dembele after reports emerged that he would be leaving the Ligue 1 club this summer.

According to l’Equipe, Brest’s sporting director Gergory Lorenzi has confirmed the 21-year-old ex-England youth international is not part of the manager’s plans next season and will subsequently not be returning to the club. Brest are hopeful of cashing in on the rising star, whose current contract expires in 2026, amid interest from multiple Championship sides with Derby County reportedly a leading candidate.

Dembele, who struggled with form at Brest, most recently enjoyed an impressive loan stint with Blackpool, scoring eight goals and contributing 13 assists in the 2023/24 campaign, which saw him catch the eye of several EFL sides. Derby County are said to have been dazzled by the 21-year-old winger, but they will be reportedly facing competition from Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United.

It’s not yet been revealed what Derby County will have to spend in this transfer, but it is believed that a move for the ‘exceptional’ winger - as described by Ruud Gullit - would be a ‘fantastic piece of business’. It will remain to be seen, however, whether Paul Warne’s side can financially compete with the Elland Road or Hillsborough side as they seek a new attacker to help them in their Championship return.

EFL star attracts Premier League interest

Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna is reported to be among one of many admirers of Cardiff City’s Rubin Colwill. Cardiff are hopeful of enjoying a fruitful summer transfer window after finishing 12th in the 2023/24 Championship campaign. However, they will first have to fight to keep hold of their star midfielder who is attracting EFL top-tiered interest.

Journalist Darren Witcoop took to X to report: “Premier League interest in Cardiff midfielder Rubin Colwill. Ispwich manager Kieran McKenna among the admirers but do expect the Wales international to stay put.”

Colwill has played 107 times for Cardiff City but has never been nailed on as a regular starter. However, this has not stopped the attacking midfielder receiving plenty of interest. It’s also not the first time Ipswich have been linked with a move for midfielder but as the 22-year-old penned a long-term deal back in September that should keep him in south Wales until 2027, Cardiff City will not be under any pressure to sell him this summer.

Arsenal have also been previously credited with an interest in the nine-time Wales international who scored three goals and provided four assists in 40 games last campaign.