Transfer latest from Fratton Park following on Thursday that Pompey had ‘stepped up’ their interest in Bim Pepple

Reports that Pompey have ‘stepped up’ their interest in Plymouth Argyle striker Bim Pepple are wide of the mark.

The News understands no fresh efforts have been made to bring the 23-year-old to Fratton Park.

Highly-rated Pepple remains a player the Blues retain an interest in, having previously done their homework on what a potential transfer woud look like.

It’s understood the Canadian-born forward has a seven-figure release clause in his contract at Home Park following his £250,000 move from Luton Town last summer on a deal until 2029.

That guarantees the Pilgrims a handsome profit on a player who bagged an impressive 18 goals in all competitions for the League One side last season.

However, Pompey haven’t been making moves lately to activate that clause, with the player one of many strikers the club had on their list of potential signings at the beginning of the transfer window.

Instead, work has been going on behind the scenes to ensure Marko Milovanovic completes his €5m move from UD Almeria, which is expected to be confirmed very soon.

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The 23-year-old Serb can expect to be the Blues’ starting number nine this season, after the Fratton Park outfit’s striker department contributed just five goals between them in 2025-26.

That would see Colby Bishop, who notched four goals last season, play back-up to Milovanovic, with Thomas Waddingham also expected to provide cover following an injury-plagued 18 months at PO4 following his January 2024 move from Brisbane Roar.

But with Bishop’s Fratton future remaining unclear following links with a move to Sheffield Wednesday last month, and Makenzie Kirk joining Barnsley on loan, a second new arrival in the forward department cannot be discounted before the transfer window closes on September 1.

That leaves a potential move for Pepple, who scored in Plymouth’s pre-season win at Plymouth Parkway last Saturday, later in the window a possibility.

But with other clubs from the Championship and abroad also keeping tabs on Pepple there’s no guarantees.

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