The truth behind Portsmouth, Patrick Bamford transfer talk - Wrexham & Middlesbrough have also been linked | OneFootball

Patrick Bamford's chances of a move to Fratton Park have been revealed

The chances of a move to Portsmouth for free agent striker Patrick Bamford have been revealed amid recent transfer speculation.

Bamford has been a free agent since his departure from newly-promoted Premier League side, Leeds United, was confirmed by mutual agreement just days ahead of the recently-closed transfer deadline on September 1st, with several sides in the Championship and in the MLS reportedly interested in his services on a free transfer.

Pompey have started the current second tier season in mixed fashion, with three wins and as many draws and defeats to their name heading into the October international break, with John Mousinho's side looking to make strides of progress after initially consolidating back at Championship level for the first time since 2012 last term.

The Blues have struggled to hit the back of the net on a consistent basis in the opening nine games, with all three successes over Oxford United, Preston North End and Middlesbrough coming through a one-goal margin, albeit the latter of those ended the Teesside outfit's unbeaten start under Rob Edwards last time out.

Portsmouth were fairly active throughout the summer window, with the likes of Adrian Segecic and the experienced duo of John Swift and Conor Chaplin further boosting Mousinho's attacking and creative options on top of star performers Josh Murphy and Colby Bishop.

However, those ranks will not be added further with the acquisition of Bamford, according to a fresh report from local publication, The News.

Bamford's record at Championship level is extremely respectable, albeit the 32-year-old's lengthy spell at Elland Road came to a frustrating end on a personal level despite his former employers winning the title under Daniel Farke last term.

Despite a run of no goals in 17 league appearances last season, the Grantham-born man's overall tally of 69 goals in 217 second tier appearances makes for solid reading.

As such, it was reported by Football Insider shortly after his mutually agreed exit from the West Yorkshire side was confirmed that Pompey, along with divisional rivals in Wrexham and Bamford's former club, Middlesbrough, were plotting a potential move for his signature alongside unnamed MLS sides after previous talks with SPFL giants Celtic, who opted to sign ex-Manchester City man, Kelechi Iheanacho instead.

The Blues have kept a spot in their 25-man squad for the Championship season available should Mousinho see fit to add to his ranks.

However, the News report that the former England youth international forward will not be the man to take up the slot which was freed up as the highly-rated boss decided not to register experienced goalkeeper, Jordan Archer.

John Mousinho will hope to improve Portsmouth FC's goalscoring form amid Patrick Bamford developments

It also seems somewhat unlikely that Bamford will also move to either Wrexham or Middlesbrough at present, with Phil Parkinson having a plethora of experienced forward options such as Kieffer Moore, Josh Windass, Nathan Broadhead and Ryan Hardie, whilst Edwards has the likes of David Strelec, Tommy Conway and Kaly Sene to call upon.

Despite keeping the joint-highest number of clean sheets in the first nine games, Pompey have only averaged 0.9 goals per game thus far, as well as missing 11 big chances as Segecic leads the club's scoring charts with three strikes in his first nine league appearances for the club.

Therefore, Mousinho will hope to utilise the two-week gap to full effect and improve his side's clinicalness in front of goal amid a steady start to the campaign as a collective, with Bishop and Chaplin, in particular, known for their strong ability at this level for Portsmouth and Ipswich Town.