Transfer gossip: Portsmouth and Sheffield Wednesday ‘keeping tabs’ on Northern Ireland sensation
Pompey and Sheffield Wednesday are reportedly ‘keeping tabs’ on the youngster.
Pompey are reportedly looking at Larne defender James Simpson ahead of the January transfer window.
According to Ontheminute.com, the Blues are ‘keeping tabs’ on the 19-year-old, who has established himself as one of the League of Ireland’s top young prospects.
The report states John Mousinho’s side are ‘monitoring’ the Northern Ireland youth international, who has featured 17 times for the Inver Reds this season.
Pompey & Sheffield Wednesday ‘keeping tabs’ on Northern Irish sensation
Pompey are not alone in their reported chase of Simpson, with League One outfit Sheffield Wednesday also tracking him ahead of the winter market which opens on January 1.
The left-back rose through the ranks at Inver Park and made his senior debut aged 16 in February 2024.
The teenager has gone on to establish himself as a first-team regular in Gary Haveron’s side and totalled 61 appearances in all competitions.
After penning a new two-year deal in January, Simpson’s stock has continued to grow and has featured 17 time this term - of which six have come in Champions League, Europa League and Conference League qualifying.
Reports elsewhere have claimed the highly-rated full-back is on the radar of several Championship and League One outfits as his standing in the game continues to grow.
Pompey’s success in Northern Ireland
Jayden Meghoma is Pompey’s sole fit left-back at present, with Connor Ogilvie still sidelined with a knee injury.
This has required Zak Swanson to provide some cover in the opening 15 matches of the season, while Terry Devlin can also operate there.
Simpson could follow in the foot steps of fellow Northern Irishman Devlin, who was signed by the Blues from Glentoran in July 2023.
Since his capture three-and-a-half-years ago, the right-back has established himself as a powerful Championship operator and a mainstay in Mousinho’s side.
Pompey have had further success from NIFL Premiership, with Eoin Kenny signing from Dundalk in June.
The 20-year-old has featured twice for Mousinho’s side since his switch and was recently handed a maiden call-up to the Northern Ireland senior squad.