Former Sunderland and Millwall forward Aiden O'Brien turns down Portsmouth contract offer to sign for Shrewsbury

The front man has joined the Shrews on a two-year deal after failing to agree terms on a new deal at Fratton Park.

He joins Steve Cotterill’s side on a free transfer, representing their fifth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Jordan Shipley, Tom Bayliss, Chey Dunkley and Julien Dacosta.

O’Brien established himself as a firm favourite with the Fratton faithful during his short spell on the south coast.

He scored five goals in 17 outings following his move on a short-term deal from Sunderland in January.

Manager Danny Cowley and the Fratton faithful were keen for the 28-year-old to stay.

However, no agreement was reached, allowing O’Brien to move elsewhere on a free transfer.

Confirmation of his move means the Blues remain without any senior strikers as they prepare for their first pre-season game on Saturday against the Hawks.

Pompey also take on Gosport Borough on Sunday, before heading to Spain for warm-weather training.

O’Brien will also be heading to Spain. Only he’ll be travelling with his new Shrews team-mates, with Cotterill’s side preparing for the forthcoming League One season in Benidorm.

Blues chief executive Andy Cullen told The News last week that the club were well prepared if O’Brien decided his future lay away from Fratton Park.