Sheffield United to swoop for EFL fan favourite as Derby County 'close to' AZ Alkmaar signing

Pompey have been thoroughly enjoying their pre-season training camp out in Pula, Croatia, and have welcomed back Tom McIntyre to the mix following his extensive injury lay-off.

Many of the Blues fans had been hopeful that more than just five new stars would be joining John Mousinho in the warm-weather training camp, but the Fratton Park head coach has said that the return of the 25-year-old feels like a sixth summer signing after his 2023/24 season was restricted to just 53 minutes.

Speaking to The News, Mousinho said: “It’s a real bonus, it feels like a fresh signing in terms of where we are this summer with the centre-backs.”

But while the Pompey squad welcome the defensive star back into the mix, their 2024/25 rivals continue to remain highly active in the transfer window. Here is the latest from the Blues’ soon-to-be Championship rivals...

Sheffield United to swoop for EFL fan favourite

Sheffield United are said to be hopeful of bringing the former Coventry City man Callum O’Hare to Bramall Lane this summer. The Sky Blues fan favourite departed Coventry at the end of last season, following the conclusion of his contract.

According to the Star, the 26-year-old midfielder would be keen for the move to Bramall Lane ahead of Sheffield United’s push for an instant return to the Premier League.

O’Hare had been a huge favourite with the Sky Blues fan base, scoring one of the club’s goals in their epic FA Cup semi-final clash against Manchester United. However, at the end of his five-year stay, he confirmed to City boss Mark Robins’ that he wished to assess his options and has since been linked with moves to West Ham, Leicester as well as the Blades’ Championship rivals Burnley.

The latest reports indicate, however, that it could well be the Blades who are the lucky recipients of his signature. That said, as the ongoing takeover process continues to delay transfer proceedings, it is not yet known if or when O’Hare could make the move.

Sheffield United head coach Chris Wilder had been hopeful of making a quick start in the transfer window ahead of the new season. He has, however, made only one pre-season signing, with former Leeds man Jamie Shackleton coming into the mix.

Pompey rivals ‘close to’ AZ Alkmaar signing

Derby County are reportedly set to beat several sides to the signing of Kenzo Goudmijn from AZ Alkmaar, according to De Telegraaf. The 22-year-old midfielder has seen attention in him rise form all over the Eredivisie but it’s believed that the former Netherlands youth international is to snub the interest in his homeland in favour of a move to the EFL.

Heerenveen, FC Groningen and Go Ahead Eagles had been reported to all have held talks with the midfielder and with Heerenveen welcoming Robin van Persie as their new head coach, this seemed the most plausible destination.

However, the Championship has instead beckoned and the reports suggest that the Rams will pay around €800,000 for the youngster who spent last season on loan at Excelsior Rotterdam. The midfielder registered five goal contributions in 23 appearances as the club were relegated to the second tier.

Goudmijn has been on the AZ books his entire career but has featured only 20 times, starting just three of those games. Now, however, the rising star who has been described as ‘speedy, agile and attacking-minded’ will have the chance to prove his worth in the Championship as he prepares to sign a four-year deal with the newly promoted Derby.