Championship rivals boosted as transfer talks between Portsmouth and free agent break down, Derby know the feeling

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It’s a big summer for Portsmouth and after maintaining their Championship status in their first season back in the division, progression is their next goal.

John Mousinho must not sell Josh Murphy in the transfer window after an extraordinary first campaign at Fratton Park, but there will be interest in the winger that must be contended with.

Bringing in more quality in those forward positions is vital if Pompey are to start climbing the league table in 2025/26, but they also need to bulk up their midfield and add more experience to that area of the pitch.

However, despite interest in one free agent, Portsmouth now look unlikely to secure a deal for him – a feeling that will resonate with Derby County.

• READ MORE – Every confirmed Portsmouth signing and sale this summer plus latest transfer rumours

Talks break down between Portsmouth and John Swift

John Swift will leave West Bromwich Albion once his contract expires on 30 June, and he has been in talks with the Blues over a move to the south coast.

Born in nearby Gosport, the midfielder spent time in Portsmouth’s academy as a youngster before moving to Chelsea.

However, as per a report from The News, talks between the two parties look to have broken down and it now looks very unlikely that Swift will make the switch to Fratton Park this summer.

There is still interest from abroad as well as the EFL, with clubs from Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and the USA all looking to secure his signature.

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John Swift missed out on a January move to Derby County

While it will be a frustration for Portsmouth to have missed out on Swift, they are not the only Championship side to fail in their bid to bring him in this year.

Back in the January transfer window, before Paul Warne was sacked, Derby showed an interest in the midfielder. However, it was reported by John Percy that, despite talks starting off well, in the final hours of the window the deal collapsed and the Rams missed out.

Swift was used more sporadically in the second half of last season, and his Baggies departure has been a long time coming. However, at the age of 30, he may not be too much of a loss for Portsmouth.