Former Portsmouth 'target' set for transfer as Wayne Rooney's Championship return confirmed

The Portsmouth players will already be enjoying their well-deserved holidays after a momentous effort to get promoted and win the League One title. Hard work aplenty awaits Pompey when they return, with the club needing to make the big step up to the Championship.

John Mousinho will already have a shortlist of potential targets drawn up, while a number of players will have to battle for their position in the squad during pre-season. In the meantime, we have rounded up the latest surrounding Pompey and their Championship rivals.

Leigh on the move

A recent Portsmouth target in Tommy Leigh is said to be closing in on a step up to League One. The Portsmouth-born midfielder has been linked with a move to Pompey in the past, and he is now set to leave current club Accrington Stanley, still just 24 years of age.

But according to Alan Nixon, he is now set to link up with Burton Albion, who narrowly secured League One survival last season. Leigh was a regular starter with Accrington last season.

Rooney return confirmed

Wayne Rooney’s return to management has been confirmed after he was handed the Plymouth Argyle job on Saturday. The Manchester United legend who oversaw a disastrous spell at Birmingham City said upon his arrival: “Taking this role at Plymouth Argyle feels like the perfect next step in my career. And I would like to thank the Chairman and Board for the faith they have shown in me. 

“This is an opportunity to be part of an exciting project. I look forward to helping to build a squad of players to play expansive football – and to entertain the Green Army. I have experienced first-hand how talented the existing group of players is here – and also the incredible atmosphere at Home Park. The club is on an exciting long-term journey, with a progressive plan in place. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of it. I can’t wait for the Championship season to start in August.” 

Gnonto excitement

Leeds United star Willy Gnonto is ready to embrace the Championship play-off final against Southampton at Wembley Stadium on Sunday. Speaking to the club website ahead of the huge final, the Italy international said: “It’s going to be a tough game. They have a really good team, they play well, but so do we. I’m not scared or anything I just know it’s going to be a good football game.

“I know that we have the quality to do it and that we are ready to do it. I’m sure it’s going to be an incredible game. I think both sides are to have lots of fans behind them so I actually can’t wait to play. I’m thinking it’s going to be a game to enjoy, hopefully we’ll win as well.” He added: “I’m really excited, these are the type of games that I dreamed of when I was younger so having the chance to play in it so young is incredible and I can’t wait.”