Scottish football expert gives odds of Makenzie Kirk sale as Portsmouth prepare offer
Portsmouth are continuing to remain active late into the transfer window.
Despite their solid start to the 2025/26 campaign, John Mousinho is not set to end his transfer business just yet.
News broke on Wednesday that Portsmouth were set to sign Josh Knight from Hanover.
On top of this, Portsmouth have also been linked with a move for Makenzie Kirk from St. Johnstone.
Now, the transfer saga has developed further, as Pompey looks to win the race for the striker.
Scott Burns: I would be surprised if Makenzie Kirk isn’t sold
Kirk has impressed at St. Johnstone since his move to the Scottish club in 2024.
The 21-year-old was previously a clinical striker for Hearts’ B team and is now proving his worth in the Scottish Championship.
Kirk has already netted four goals this campaign, all coming in the Premier Sports Cup.
As a result, Portsmouth are looking to seal a deal for the striker, with Peterborough also interested.
- Kirk had netted 45 times in 49 matches for Hearts’ B team
- The striker moved to St. Johnstone last summer
- Peterborough have already had a bid rejected for Kirk
Now, Scottish football expert Scott Burns believes a sale is likely in the coming days as Portsmouth prepare a bid.
He told the Daily Record on 20 August: “Things are heating up in terms of interest in Makenzie Kirk. I would be surprised if he isn’t sold in the coming days.
“Peterborough have already tabled multiple bids, and it is expected Portsmouth are also set to make an offer.
“It is getting close to a level that Saints will accept. They have already knocked back two bids from Scottish Premiership sides and another six-figure bid from the Scottish Championship.
“If Kirk goes then Simo Valakari will be looking for another striker.
“The right-back is still an issue for Saints. They are waiting to see if they can get Adam Forrester back on loan from Hearts, via their cooperation agreement. If not then Saints would need to look elsewhere.”
Makenzie Kirk would be ideal back-up for Callum Lang
With Callum Lang set to be potentially out for eight weeks at Portsmouth, Mousinho needs reinforcements up top.
Kirk could prove to be ideal for this, with the Scotsman clearly having potential and being in fine form.
Therefore, the 21-year-old could make a quick impact at Fratton Park, which is vital while Lang is on the sidelines.
Hopefully, Mousinho is able to get the deal done quickly before Peterborough swoop in and secure the attacker.
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