Transfer Gossip: Portsmouth have Ross County left-back on radar

According to The Press and Journal, the Blues have the 18-year-old left-back on their radar, although no approach has been made.

Reid has made a breakthrough at County this season, after graduating through the club's academy.

He’s started all five of the Staggies’ Scottish Premiership matches after the 2020-21 campaign started earlier this month.

That's reportedly caught the attention of Pompey, who are showing interest.

Reid is under contract at Victoria Park until the summer of 2021, so a fee would be required should the Blues make a move.

County boss Stuart Kettlewell has been highly impressed by the progress of Reid since coming into the first team.

He told The Press and Journal: ‘I had hoped he was going to perform to the level he has done. We have had a few aspects in every game that has been part of his education. Most teams have a pacy wide player that looks to get at full-backs so it’s been a really good education for him.’“He has acquitted himself well. I maybe sounded over confident before the Motherwell game when a few people were surprised to see him starting but I was really comfortable with what he is as a player, his mentality and how he would deal with any adversity that comes in the game.

‘I knew he wouldn’t get carried away with himself even if he was doing well. I can’t say it’s a huge surprise to me how well he’s done. The timing was right for him to come into the team. He has taken the chance with both hands.

‘Some young players will take a dip in form and that might be the case with Josh but he has shown us in the first five games that he can play at this level.

‘And that has to be a huge confidence boost for him because it can be important to get across that bridge and prove to yourself you can mix it in that company.’

Kenny Jackett has admitted he’s keen to recruit a left-back during the summer transfer window.

As things stand, Lee Brown is Pompey's only senior option heading into Saturday’s Carabao Cup first-round clash at Stevenage.

Brandon Haunstrup turned down a new deal to join Kilmarnock, while Steve Seddon returned to Birmingham after spending the second half of last term at Fratton Park.

Pompey have also had their eye of Brighton’s Alex Cochrane, as well as Leeds defender Leif Davis.

Reid would be exempt from salary cap restrictions due to being under the age of 21 – as would Cochrane and Davis.