Sunderland have 'serious interest' in managerial candidate as ex-Pompey star reveals contract talks

It’s now under ten days before the summer transfer window can begin and Pompey can start to build their Championship squad. At the start of May, Portsmouth bid farewell to ten players, many of whom had been crucial in the club’s promotion success.

However, it is now time to look forward, with John Mousinho and the Blues board reportedly ready to create a smaller yet fortified group of players that will compete against the likes of Sunderland, Leeds and Burnley in the 2024/25 season.

Ahead of the impending transfer window, here is the latest news from Pompey’s Championship rivals...

Sunderland ‘serious interest’ in manager revealed

Sunderland have been without a permanent manager since parting ways with Michael Beale in February. The former Rangers boss lasted just 12 games before being shown the exit and the Black Cats are still pursuing a long-term replacement.

The Stadium of Light side had been credited with hoping to bring Will Still to the club, however the Belgium-born manager has opted to remain in Ligue 1 to coach RC Lens. A host of other names have since been linked with the post and now one more is said to be of ‘serious interest’ to Sunderland.

Alan Nixon has issued an update on the circling rumours that have linked the Wearside club with the former colleague of Arne Slot, Pascal Jansen. The London-born coach has been out of work since he was sacked by AZ Alkmaar in January, where he had spent the past six years.

The 51-year-old, who was linked with Norwich City last month, has also spent time as a coach at PSV Eindhoven and AZ, working under the new Liverpool manager Arne Slot with whom he still holds a good relationship.

Nixon took to X to report: “Believe he is of serious interest… if he comes on terms offered and what staff he brings.” According to Sunderland AFC, the dominant issue the club have with bringing in a new manager pertains to the club’s transfer policy and not letting incoming coaches bring their staff.

Fans have so far reacted positively to the links to Jansen and with pre-season training in the not too distant future, Sunderland will be exceptionally keen to resolve their managerial crisis as soon as possible.

Ex-Pompey star announces contract talks

Former Pompey goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has revealed he’s in talks with Queens Park Rangers about a new contract with the Loftus Road club. West London Sport reported that the 37-year-old could remain at Loftus Road, but added that he has also received interest from Newcastle, West Ham and clubs in Saudi Arabia.

Scottish media have also linked him with a move to Celtic, as they bid farewell to former England international Joe Hart at the end of the last campaign.

Speaking to TalkSport, the Bosnia and Herzegovina glovesman said of his future: “I am currently looking at options, talking to obviously QPR, and seeing what happens there. It’s still pretty early in the transfer window. Nothing has been decided yet. I really enjoyed last year, the fact that I played so many games.”

Begovic joined QPR last summer after departing Everton and has made 39 appearances for the club. The 37-year-old began his career with Pompey in 2003 and would go on to make 11 league appearances for the club between 2005 and 2010 before departing for Stoke City. His EFL career also included spells at Bournemouth, Chelsea and a short loan stint at AC Milan before heading to the Toffees in 2021.