According to the Lancashire Evening Post, Preston striker Jayden Stockley now has permission to hold talks with Portsmouth.
It’s been clear for a while now that Stockley doesn’t have much of a future at North End, and he now has the green light to pursue an exit two-and-a-half years since arriving for £750,000 from Exeter City.
Stockley excelled on loan at Charlton Athletic in the second half of last season, but it’s Portsmouth now leading the race.
Portsmouth closer to home for Stockley
Stockley was born in Poole on the South Coast, started his career with Bournemouth and actually did have a spell with Portsmouth in 2015.
Heading back to Pompey means being much closer to home for Stockley, and that may be appealing for the 27-year-old.
Rotherham United and Ipswich Town are thought to be keen too, but few could blame Stockley for fancying Portsmouth.
Danny Cowley’s history with Stockley
Pompey boss Danny Cowley loves a physical striker… at least when they’re on his team.
Back in 2019, Alex Neil claimed that Cowley was screaming for Stockley to be sent off against his Huddersfield Town side.
Cowley was complaining that Stockley was seemingly being too physical, and should have been sent off three games in a row.
That seemed like a bizarre stance at the time, and it now looks like Cowley will be Stockley’s manager if a deal goes through.