Portsmouth and Lincoln City set for Stockport County transfer chase | OneFootball

Portsmouth and Lincoln City are both being linked with a move for Jack Diamond

Portsmouth could be set for a busy summer following their 18th place finish in the table.

Pompey survived another relegation in their second campaign back in the Championship, earning 55 points, avoiding the drop by eight.

John Mousinho will be hoping to bolster his first team squad in the coming months, particularly with the fresh threat of Lincoln City, Cardiff City and Bolton Wanderers coming up from League One.

The Imps are back in the second tier for the first time since 1961, but have lost Michael Skubala as their first team coach.

Mousinho was linked with a departure from Fratton Park, with Bristol City interested in his services, but they ultimately appointed the Lincoln boss instead.

That could have a big impact at both clubs for next season, which could start with their prospective transfer business.

Portsmouth and Lincoln eye Stockport star

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It has been reported by Football Insider that Portsmouth are keen on a deal to sign Jack Diamond from Stockport County.

The 26-year-old earned plaudits for his performances in League One this season, and could now take the step up to the Championship.

However, Pompey face competition from the newly-promoted Lincoln, with the player entering the final 12 months of his current contract.

It was exclusively revealed by FLW prior to the January window that Derby County were interested in the forward, but a deal ultimately failed to come to fruition.

It remains to be seen whether the Rams will reignite that interest in the upcoming market, with interest intensifying in the winger.

Diamond contributed six goals and seven assists for Stockport as they finished third in League One this season.

But the team’s 4-1 loss to Bolton in the play-off final ended their hopes of joining Lincoln in the Championship.

Dave Challinor’s exit from the club has also had a big impact, and he could be followed out the door by Diamond.

The 26-year-old joined Stockport in the 2024 summer window, and he has been a regular presence in the side since then.

But he could now take the step up to the second tier this summer, with his contract situation leading to Portsmouth and Lincoln’s interest.

It’s believed Diamond could be available for a cut-rate price, with Stockport potentially being forced into cashing in on the player in order to avoid losing him for nothing in 2027.

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Cut-rate Jack Diamond deal has a certain appeal for Portsmouth

If Portsmouth feel Diamond can take the step up to the Championship, then this could be a smart piece of business due to his contract situation.

Mousinho will want to be backed in the market this summer, and additional firepower will be needed in order to avoid another relegation battle.

Diamond made just one appearance for Sunderland in the second tier, so this will be an exciting opportunity for him whether it’s with Portsmouth or Lincoln.

The 26-year-old has shown he can be a danger in the final third by scoring goals and creating for others, and his versatility in being able to play across the frontline could both make him a solid option for either club at the right price.