Portsmouth have agreed a deal with Preston North End for Jayden Stockley, according to Hampshire Live.

Stockley is believed to be a player in demand at the moment, with a host of League One sides said to be after his signature.

The 27-year-old is believed to have been the subject of a bid from Charlton, whilst Sheffield Wednesday are also said to have registered an interest in the striker.

But fresh reports from Hampshire Live claim that Portsmouth have now agreed a deal with Preston for Stockley, as they look to pursue a permanent move for the forward.

The report also claims that more work is required before finalising a deal, but Pompey have agreed a deal for less than half of the £750,000 North End paid for him in January 2019.

Stockley spent the second half of this season on loan at Charlton, scoring eight goals in 22 games as the Addicks narrowly missed out on a play-off finish in League One.

The striker has scored eight goals in 71 games for North End, and has been at Pompey before having spent part of 2015/16 on loan at Fratton Park.

The Verdict

This is a major statement of intent by Portsmouth.

It promises to be a really competitive division in League One next season, with so many big clubs likely to battle it out for promotion.

Charlton, Wednesday and Pompey will all be up there, so for Pompey to beat them to his signature is a coup and is a positive piece of news.