Portsmouth news: Ipswich & Charlton in hunt for House

By Russell Edge

2nd Dec, 2020 | 12:40pm

Exclusive: Portsmouth, Ipswich Town & Charlton plot moves to sign 6-in-8 Scottish striker

Portsmouth, Ipswich Town and Charlton Athletic are among the clubs plotting moves to sign Eastleigh striker Ben House, Football Insider understands.

The 21-year-old, who joined the National League side on a free transfer after leaving Reading this summer, has caught the eye with six goals in eight appearances across all competitions this season.

A recruitment source has told Football Insider that the top six clubs in League One, as well as mid-table Championship sides, are all considering offering the Scotland under-21 international a route back into the Football League.

The Surrey-born forward started his youth career at Aldershot Town before he made the move to Reading, where he signed his first professional contract in 2017.

He spent time out on loan at both Swindon Town and Dagenham and Redbridge before he made his first-team debut for the Royals as a substitute against Cardiff City in the FA Cup in January this year.

His nine-minute cameo was the only senior appearance he made during his time at the Madjeski Stadium and he joined Eastleigh, who finished 16th in the National League last season, after his contract at Reading expired.

House has been a standout performer for the south coast outfit and his goals have helped the club to fifth in the table despite having played at least two games less than the sides around them.

His goals, the latest of which came against Yeovil Town in a 3-1 win on Tuesday evening, have caught the eye of several clubs up the footballing ladder.

Charlton, Ipswich and Portsmouth – who sit fourth, fifth and sixth respectively in League One – are among those most interested as they look to bolster their firepower.

In other League One news, Peterborough face losing one of their stars to Fulham, Celtic or Wolves.