League One news: Lincoln City's Covid fear as Portsmouth and Sunderland's names mentioned in transfer gossip over League Two attacker

The Blues welcome Rochdale to Fratton Park on Friday before the trip to Wigan on Monday.

As we count down to next round of games there’s plenty of news and gossip emerging from clubs around the division, which we’ve rounded up for you here.

Pompey’s name mentioned in transfer gossip over Tranmere attacker

Among the latest transfer tittle-tattle, Pompey’s name has been mentioned along with Preston and Sunderland over Tranmere attacker Otis Khan.

According to Football League World, the 25-year-old who is a free agent in the summer is being watched by the Blues.

Khan moved to Prenton Park from Mansfield ahead of the new campaign, but has bagged just two goals in 38 appearances so far this term.

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Lincoln’s Covid fixture fear

Lincoln chief executive, Liam Scully, is fearful that the Imps will see more fixtures postponed after a Covid outbreak at Sincil Bank.

A number of players and staff at the promotion chaser have tested positive for the disease, leading to their clash with MK Dons on Friday being postponed.

And Scully told LincolnshireLive the game against Charlton on Tuesday is also in doubt.

He said: ‘We’ve got to count back and look at certain activity. Private conversations need to be had with the EFL and Charlton, who have to be consulted as part of the decision-making process.

‘It’s fair to say there are still unknowns. Hopefully we’ve got on top of this but further cases could present themselves in the next few days.

‘All of that has to go into this before a decision can be made.’

New start for Addicks under Adkins

New Charlton boss Nigel Adkins has his eyes on the play-offs with nine games to go.

Adkins told London News Online he's looking at the run-in as a fresh start for his players.

He said: ‘We’re looking at it as it is a new league – nine games to go. We’ve got to find a way to get ourselves in that sixth position. If we win against Doncaster we can even go fifth, so there is an opportunity for us.

‘But I’m aware other teams have got games to play, so there will be a disparity in that as we go along. It’s a fresh start, this is where we are – how can we go about getting the best out of all of us so that we’re rowing and pulling in the same direction so we can effect the next game?’

Diamond deal for Black Cats

In-form Sunderland have secured the services of winger Jack Diamond on a new three-year deal.

The 21-year old has made 27 appearances this season and was part of the Black Cats side who won the Papa John’s Trophy against Tranmere this month.

Diamond told BBC: ‘I've been here since I was 14

‘So to be offered the chance to play for Sunderland - when they are on the up - is a fantastic opportunity for me.

‘I've broken into the first team this season under the new head coach and I'm pleased to be rewarded with a new contract, but my goal stays the same and that's to play at the highest level I possibly can with this club.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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