Portsmouth transfer news: Pompey star attracts rising EFL interest amid contract saga

Portsmouth star Joe Morrell is said to be the subject of fresh interest from Queens Park Rangers, following previous reports suggesting newly confirmed League One sides Birmingham City and Wrexham were also interested in the central midfielder.

Morrell, 27, will see his Fratton Park contract expire at the end of the month after John Mousinho opted against taking up their option of extending his stay. The head coach did confirm, however, that talks between the star’s representatives and the club’s sporting director Rich Hughes are ongoing, but no deal is apparently nearing the table despite the ex-Luton Town star being informed his option would not be activated seven weeks ago.

Taking to X, sports journalist Phil Cadden wrote: “Joe Morrell - interest from QPR, Birmingham and Wrexham. Looks set to leave Portsmouth on a free after they decided not to activate extra year on his deal.”

The central midfielder has made 105 appearances across all competitions for Pompey since he joined from Kenilworth Road in the 2021 summer transfer window. He has scored one goal and contributed ten assists for the Fratton Park side while making nearly 40 international appearances for Wales.

QPR, who will compete against Pompey next season, are reported to be the latest club credited with an interest in the soon-to-be free agent. The west London club finished six points clear of the relegation zone in the most recent campaign but are hopeful that a new central midfield option can liven their upcoming season.

QPR, Birmingham City and Wrexham have all seen central midfielders depart since the end of the 2023/24 campaign following the expiration of their respective contracts, but with the London-based side the only club currently able to provide second-tier football, they appear to offer the most attractive next-club option.

Yesterday, The News spoke to Mousinho on the ongoing details surrounding Morrell’s contract situation, but the head coach confirmed there remain areas that the two parties still need to ‘get right’ before pen can be put to paper. As reported yesterday, Mousinho said: “Joe is a fantastic player, I think there are some areas we have to make sure we get right with both him and Zak, we had reasons for not taking up their options. It’s just about getting that balance right.”