Portsmouth will no longer compete for the signing of a sought-after striker who left MK Dons on a free this summer.

Chuks Aneke, a key target for Portsmouth, is now unlikely to join, according to respected journalist Andrew Moon.

According to the tweet, Aneke is wanted by a number of other clubs, and that could be the main reason why Portsmouth feel like they are unable to catch his signature.

It's been reported by the Edinburgh News that the former Arsenal forward is wanted by clubs as big as Hearts and Hibernian, as well as Championship clubs Barnsley, Hull and Wigan.

The 25-year-old had a great season with MK Dons last season and scored 17 goals in League Two as they finished third and got promoted into League One.

He cut his cloth at Arsenal from the age of seven, going out on various loan deals. Eventually he was released by the club in 2014 and he went onto join Belgium side Zulte Waregem.

In his three seasons at MK Dons, Aneke has scored 33 times and provided 15 assists.

The Verdict

Aneke would've been a very good signing at Portsmouth, but it appears the competition to sign him might have been too strong.

After being instrumental in the club's promotion campaign last year there is no doubt he is ready for a step up in standards.

Aneke might have demanded some high wages due to the position he's in with lots of club's after him, and Portsmouth have obviously felt it is right to drop out of the race.

With Portsmouth allegedly keen on Ched Evans, according to the Football Insider, maybe they have turned their focus elsewhere, where there is a little less competition.