Sources: Portsmouth agree deal to sign Stockley as Ipswich beaten in race
Portsmouth have agreed to sign Preston North End striker Jayden Stockley, Football Insider has learned.
The centre-forward, 27, has been the subject of strong interest from League One clubs including newly-rich Ipswich Town.
But a recruitment source has told Football Insider that Portsmouth have fended off rivals to reach an agreement with Stockley's club Preston.
North End are opening to selling the front man this summer rather than lose him for nothing next year when his contract expires.
Pompey manager Danny Cowley has made Stockley a top target as he prepares for his first full season in charge at Fratton Park.
The forward spent the second half of last season loan in the third tier with Charlton Athletic.
He made a big impact, with his 22 league appearances yielding eight goals and two assists.
Stockley is a proven lower league operator and has scored goals in the Championship, League One, League Two and Scottish Premiership.
Prior to his move to Deepdale, he had previously had spells at Bournemouth, Aberdeen and Exeter City.
Stockley was not especially prolific in the English second tier, and his record at Preston reads eight goals and six assists from 71 matches.
Yet Cowley is a firm admirer and believes the Englishman will be a real handful to opposition defences next season.
Portsmouth finished eighth in League One last season, with their final haul of 72 points leaving them two adrift of the play-offs.