Portsmouth rivals monitoring Leeds United forward as West Ham eye January Chelsea swoop

Pompey are in the midst of an excellent run of form, which has seen them lose just one of their previous six matches.

Despite their hugely-disappointing 1-0 reverse to 10-man Southampton in the south-coast derby earlier this month, the Blues have enjoyed an impressive turnaround.

John Mousinho’s troops have claimed seven points from a possible nine, with wins over Sheffield United and Norwich City as well as a 1-1 draw with Wolves in midweek.

Their strong response has come with the head coach’s ranks depleted by injuries, with 10 players sidelined for the Molineux stalemate.

Indeed, Mousinho has since admitted Pompey would be open to running the rule over potential free agent options.

Winger Solly March, however, is not a name under consideration by the Blues after his name surfaced as a potential choice to train with the head coach’s ranks.

With just over two months until the January window opens for business, gossip and speculation is beginning to emerge as clubs across the Championship continue their transfer preparations.

Here are the latest headlines involving Pompey’s second-tier rivals.

West Ham want Disasi

West Ham are eyeing a move for Axel Disasi in the January transfer window, according to reports.

It’s been a strong start to life back in the Championship for the Hammers, who sit second having claimed 22 points from their opening 11 matches.

As Nuno Espirito Santo targets an instant return to the Premier League, all eyes are on the winter market as the head coach looks to bolster his ranks for their promotion push.

Indeed, West Ham are believed to be monitoring Disasi’s situation at Crystal Palace after a disappointing loan stint at Selhurst Park.

Respected Hammers outlet ExWHUEmployee states the East London outfit are looking at bringing the defender back to the London Stadium when the window opens in the new year.

The 28-year-old has featured just six times for the Eagles in all competitions since his summer switch after Chelsea sanctioned his temporary exit.

Disasi, of course, spent the second half of last season on loan with West Ham, where he amassed 17 appearances before his Stamford Bridge return.

Espirito Santo’s side are reportedly eyeing the centre-back as the head coach looks to bolster his options at the heart of defence.

The East London outfit make the trip to Fratton Park for their second meeting of the campaign on November 24.

Southampton monitor Leeds United striker

Southampton are reportedly interested in Leeds United striker Lukas Nmecha.

That’s according to TEAMtalk, who have claimed Pompey’s fierce south-coast rivals are ‘monitoring’ the attacker ahead of the January window.

The 27-year-old’s contract at Elland Road comes to a close at the end of the season, with the report stating talks over a new deal are currently stalling.

Nmecha has struggled for regular playing time with the Whites since his 2025 signing, which has seen him score six times in 37 Premier League outings.

It is believed, however, that the Germany international is demanding more prominent action, with uncertainty growing over his future.

Indeed, Southampton are said to be one of several Championship clubs who are ‘monitoring’ the forward, while Bundesliga outfit FC Koln have identified Nmecha as a top January target.

Tonda Eckert’s side currently sit eighth in the standings, having claimed 21 points from 11 matches.

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