Portsmouth are reportedly planning one final attempt to agree a deal for Lincoln City target Tyrese Shade before tonight’s 11 pm transfer deadline.
The Imps have been strongly linked with the Burton Albion attacker during the summer, with reports suggesting that at least one bid has been rejected. However, Championship rivals Portsmouth also retain a longstanding interest in the 26-year-old and intend to reopen talks with Burton today.
According to The News, Portsmouth had started considering other options after being unable to bridge the gap between their valuation and Burton’s asking price. The Brewers are said to want more than £2 million for Shade, a figure Pompey have so far been unwilling to meet.
Despite those differences, further discussions are expected during the closing hours of the transfer window as Portsmouth search for an agreement acceptable to both clubs. Their renewed effort could potentially complicate matters for City if our interest in Shade remains active.
Shade joined Burton from National League side Eastleigh last summer and enjoyed an excellent first campaign at the Pirelli Stadium. He scored 14 goals for the Brewers and demonstrated the versatility which has made him attractive to clubs in the Championship, operating across several attacking positions.
His situation has cast a shadow over the beginning of the new season. Shade was left out of Burton’s squad for their opening three fixtures, with manager Gary Bowyer admitting that the attacker was not in the right frame of mind to play amid continued transfer speculation.
He returned to the matchday squad for Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Notts County and was introduced as a substitute after 62 minutes, giving him his first competitive action of the 2026/27 campaign. Whether that proves to be his final Burton appearance may depend upon negotiations during deadline day.
Lincoln’s position is now particularly interesting following reports that Ipswich Town winger Chiedozie Ogbene is set to arrive at Sincil Bank on loan until January. Ogbene offers pace and versatility on the right, potentially filling some of the qualities City had identified in Shade, although the two players would not necessarily have been considered for precisely the same role.
The size of Burton’s reported valuation has always appeared to be the principal obstacle. City have demonstrated their willingness to invest significantly in the squad since promotion, but paying more than £2 million for Shade would represent another major commitment, this time for a player unproven in a top-flight division, unlike Andrei Coubis and Mikkel Ladefoged.
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