Transfer latest: Stoke City join Portsmouth, Preston North End and Oxford United in race for likely free agent

Pompey are now in a supposed four-team race to sign Plymouth Argyle wing-back Mickel Miller.

That’s after it emerged Stoke City are also in the running to snap up the 28-year-old who looks set to leave Home Park on a free transfer later this month.

It was current Potters boss Steven Schumacher who lured the left-footer to the Pilgrims in July 2022 shortly after his Rotherham contract expired.

He’s reportedly keen to do the same two years later as he looks to put his stamp authority on a Stoke side he inherited back in December and guided to 17th in last season’s Championship. Only this time he won’t have just the Blues for company, after they were credited with an interest in Miller the last time he was a free agent.

Championship rivals Oxford United and Preston North End are also supposedly keen and willing to strike a deal as talks over a new Plymouth deal stall.

Pompey’s reported interest comes at a time when sporting director Rich Hughes and head coach John Mousinho are keen to reinforce their League One title-winning ranks. Ten of the Blues’ promotion-winning team (including loanees) have since left the club, leaving the Fratton Park outfit needing to build on their recent success with some extra-quality reinforcements.

Left-back is certainly an area Pompey will look to strengthen over the summer, despite Connor Ogilvie being offered new terms. Meanwhile, Miller’s ability to play anywhere on the left will make him an attractive proposition.

There’ll clearly be stiff competition for Miller’s signature, though, if the rumours are to be believed. And according to TEAMtalk, Schumacher will hope to use his past dealings with the player to tempt him the the Bet365 Stadium.

Since joining Plymouth, Miller has featured 49 times for the club, recording one goal and two assists.