Sky Bet League One promotion chasers Sunderland and Portsmouth have had bids rejected for Plymouth Argyle star Freddie Ladapo, according to reports from reputable journalist Nick Mashiter.

Both Pompey and the Black Cats are looking to bolster their attacking line, as both teams look to continue their push for promotion from League One this term.

And it seems as if the promotion rivals are both identified Argyle's Ladapo as the ideal signing, with reports claiming that the Devon club have rejected bids for their star-man.

The 25-year old is currently Argyle's top scorer this season after scoring 13 goals in 34 games in all competitions, for an Argyle side that is currently struggling towards the bottom end of the League One table.

Sunderland are in the market for a new striker following the £3.5million departure of top goalscorer Josh Maja to Bordeaux last week, and have also been linked with a move to sign AFC Bournemouth's Sam Surridge, as well as Wigan Athletic's Will Grigg.

Portsmouth, meanwhile, have already bolstered their attacking options with the signing of Omar Bogle from Cardiff City, and reports from Alan Nixon also claim that Wigan's James Vaughan is present at Fratton Park ahead of a possible deadline day move.

The Verdict

This would have been a real shame for Sunderland and Portsmouth, had they not switched attention to other strikers.

Ladapo is a very exciting player - he's fast, strong and powerful and definitely knows where the goal is, and can also play out wide if you want him to.

He's still only young and possesses real quality at League One level, and Argyle will be praying that they can keep hold of their talisman until the transfer window slams shut.