Portsmouth have reportedly stepped up their interest in Plymouth Argyle striker Bim Pepple, who was linked with Lincoln City earlier this summer.
Journalist Darren Witcoop claims Pompey are increasing their efforts to sign the 23-year-old as John Mousinho looks to strengthen his attacking options ahead of the new Championship season.
Portsmouth were among several clubs credited with an interest in Pepple in May, alongside the Imps, Norwich City and Watford. There has been little indication since then that City have taken their interest any further, but the latest development suggests one of their Championship rivals could now be preparing to make a move.
Pepple enjoyed an impressive first season at Plymouth after joining from Luton Town last summer. He scored 18 times in 41 appearances across all competitions, including 16 goals in League One, as Argyle challenged for promotion. He was injured in the 4-1 Imps win back in February, but made a real difference before coming off in that game.
His performances also earned him a first senior call-up to the Canada squad in March.
The forward previously struggled to establish himself after moving to England from the Canadian side Cavalry in 2022. He did not make a senior league appearance for Luton, instead spending time on loan with Grimsby Town, Bromley, Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Southend United and Chesterfield.
His form improved during his final season as a Luton player. Pepple scored ten times during a spell with Southend before adding another five goals for Chesterfield, convincing Plymouth to bring him to Home Park.
Argyle are also expected to lose fellow striker Lorent Tolaj, who is reportedly closing in on a move to Bristol City. Cleverley previously insisted Plymouth were under no pressure to sell their leading attackers, although he acknowledged that a sufficiently attractive offer could change the club’s position.
Pepple remains under contract with Argyle, meaning Portsmouth would have to agree on a fee to complete the deal. Plymouth reportedly paid an initial £250,000 to sign him from Luton, with that figure potentially rising through additional payments, but a fee of more than £750,000 would be expected for him on the back of his performances last season.
Whether we retain an interest, or indeed ever had an interest, is unclear. The Imps were only reported to be monitoring the forward earlier in the window, and there has been no suggestion that a bid has been submitted. However, Portsmouth’s increased interest may provide an indication of Pepple’s availability as Championship clubs continue to assess their forward options before the new season.
