Wrexham set for major £5m transfer battle with Portsmouth rivals as Derby target Oxford talent

Portsmouth’s Championship rivals are already beginning to shape their summer transfer plans as speculation continues to build across the division.

The off-season has officially started at Fratton Park after Pompey wrapped up their Championship campaign last week.

A final-day draw with Birmingham City confirmed an 18th-place finish for John Mousinho’s side, with Pompey ending the season eight points above the relegation zone following a superb late run of form.

Focus is now shifting towards what could be a defining summer at PO4, with the Blues expected to strengthen significantly once the transfer window opens next month.

Pompey have already been linked with Plymouth Argyle striker Aribim Pepple and Rangers defender Leon King as transfer rumours begin to gather pace.

Meanwhile, Andre Dozzell has left the south coast after turning down a new deal to join MLS outfit DC United.

Elsewhere in the Championship, clubs are ramping up preparations for the transfer window, with several notable stories emerging involving Pompey’s rivals.

Hull City targeting £5m-rated Wrexham star

Hull City remain focused on their play-off push after sealing sixth place on the final day of the campaign.

The Tigers drew 0-0 with Millwall in Friday’s first-leg clash and will head to London on Monday for the decisive return fixture.

Despite their promotion bid, Sergej Jakirovic’s side are already looking ahead to the summer market, with reports claiming Hull are keen on a move for Wrexham midfielder Lewis O’Brien.

According to transfer insider Alan Nixon, Hull want to strengthen in midfield and have revived their interest in the 27-year-old.

O’Brien impressed during his first season at the Racecourse Ground after completing a £5m move from Nottingham Forest.

The midfielder contributed four goals and seven assists in 38 league appearances for Phil Parkinson’s team, who narrowly missed out on the play-offs to Hull on the final day.

Hull are believed to have renewed their pursuit after previously failing to land O’Brien last year.

Derby County keeping tabs on Oxford midfielder

Derby County are reportedly monitoring Oxford United midfielder Brian De Keersmaecker ahead of the summer window.

Again, Nixon reports that the Rams are preparing to open discussions over a possible move for the Belgian midfielder.

There is expected to be strong Championship interest in DeKeersmaecker after he stood out during a difficult season for Oxford.

The U’s were relegated back to League One after finishing 22nd, ending the campaign four points adrift of safety.

Oxford paid a club-record fee to sign the 26-year-old from Heracles Almelo last summer, and he went on to score twice and register five assists in 26 league appearances.

De Keersmaecker missed the final 18 matches of the season following shoulder surgery, including Oxford’s Easter Monday draw against Pompey.