Portsmouth striker Conor Chaplin has been the subject of heavy interest from newly promoted Coventry City, as the Sky Blues look to replace talisman Marc McNulty. However, Kenny Jackett will only sell the academy graduate once Pompey have a replacement lined up. Here are three players Jackett should look to sign to replace Chaplin:
Mohamed Eisa, Cheltenham Town – Eisa was an unknown quantity before joining Cheltenham last summer, but caught the eye of Gary Johnson whilst at Greenwich Borough. He netted 23 goals in League Two last season in a struggling Robins team. It is understood that Eisa is Kenny Jackett’s number one target during the transfer window and would be a like for like replacement for Chaplin. Cheltenham are demanding in excess of £1m for their prized asset so he wouldn’t come cheap. Pompey would need to offload the Coventry target in order to bring Eisa to Fratton Park.
Charlie Wyke, Bradford City – Since his move from Carlisle United, Wyke has been in fine form for the Bantams. In 55 League One appearances, Wyke has found the back of the net on 23 occasions. His form hasn’t gone unnoticed around the footballing hemisphere and Bradford have already rejected an offer from Peterborough United for his services this summer. He’s a proven goalscorer in the third tier and would work brilliantly alongside Brett Pitman.
Danny Rose, Mansfield Town – Similarly to Eisa, Rose is a proven goalscorer in the fourth tier and looks ready to further his career in League One. He is a similar sort of striker to Chaplin, but is excellent in the air and rarely loses a header despite his diminutive stature. He scored 14 goals for the Stags last season, before suffering an injury which ruled him out of the last part of the season. He would be an astute signing for the South Coast club.
