Ipswich Town Close In on £7m Akpom Deal

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With the new Championship season just days away, clubs across the league are finalising major signings in preparation for what is expected to be a competitive campaign.

Portsmouth, promoted from League One last season, begin their return to the second tier with an away fixture at Oxford United. Manager John Mousinho has already overseen five additions to the squad during the summer window, with Adrian Segecic, John Swift, Mark Kosznovszky, Luke Le Roux, and Florian Bianchini all joining the Fratton Park side.

Despite these early moves, Pompey’s recruitment drive is not yet complete. At least five further arrivals are anticipated before the transfer window closes on 1 September, as the club looks to build a side capable of holding its own in a demanding division.

Elsewhere in the Championship, Chuba Akpom appears set to be on the move once again. The 29-year-old striker, currently with Ajax, had been strongly linked with Birmingham City, who reportedly agreed a loan deal that included an option to buy at the end of the season.

However, a late attempt by former club Middlesbrough to hijack the transfer was unsuccessful, and Ipswich Town are now in advanced negotiations to secure Akpom’s signature. The deal is expected to be worth around £7 million, underlining Ipswich’s intent to build on last season’s success and push for promotion.

Meanwhile, Stoke City have secured the services of Ashley Phillips from Tottenham Hotspur. The 19-year-old defender, highly regarded within Spurs’ youth system, joins the Potters in a move aimed at gaining regular senior football. Stoke manager Steven Schumacher is reportedly eager to blend youth with experience as part of the club’s strategy for the upcoming campaign.

The final weeks of the summer window are shaping up to be busy across the Championship, with several clubs taking calculated risks to strengthen their squads in a challenging financial landscape. For Portsmouth, the focus remains on ensuring their return to the Championship is a sustainable one.