Latest League Two transfer news: Mansfield eye Pompey man, Rangers man wanted, Colchester in Crawley transfer chase | OneFootball

Many League Two sides will be on the prowl for fresh blood during the January transfer window as they look to achieve their respective aims.

Northampton Town are one team that will be particularly keen to ensure they have the players needed to get themselves up to League One after coming so close to promotion last term – only being prevented from achieving their goal last season by a remarkable final day performance from Bristol Rovers.

They moved to recruit Josh Harrop earlier this week after being released by Preston North End – and he could be a great asset for Jon Brady’s side with the experience he has at a higher level – not just with Preston but also as a former youngster at Manchester United.

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Bradford City will also be keen to be in the promotion mix at the end of the campaign – and it will be interesting to see whether new signing Ciaran Kelly can make an impact for Mark Hughes’ side when he officially links up with them in January.

And at the bottom end of the table, there’s plenty of work to be done for Gillingham, Colchester United, Hartlepool United and Rochdale as they look to avoid relegation to the National League.

We take a closer look at the likes of Northampton and Colchester below with plenty of fourth-tier transfer news breaking at the moment.

Freeman linked with Mansfield Town

Soccer Football – League One – Cambridge United v Portsmouth – Abbey Stadium, Cambridge, Britain – January 3, 2022 Cambridge United’s Joe Ironside in action with Portsmouth’s Kieron Freeman Action Images/Andrew Boyers EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Mansfield Town have revived their interest in Portsmouth right-back Kieron Freeman, according to a report from The News.

Making just six competitive appearances this term, he hasn’t exactly been a key player for Danny Cowley during the 2022/23 campaign and with this, the Stags may be confident that Pompey are open to selling him.

His deal expires at Fratton Park in the summer anyway and with the defender working with Mansfield boss Nigel Clough before and being born in the East Midlands, he could be tempted to make the move back there.

Although that would mean taking a step down, the 30-year-old needs to prioritise game time.

McPake on his way to Northampton?

Soccer Football – Scottish FA Youth Cup Final – Celtic v Rangers – Hampden Park, Glasgow, Britain – April 25, 2019 Celtic’s Dylan Forrest in action with Ranger’s Joshua McPake Action Images/Lee Smith

Northampton Town are interested in Rangers winger Josh McPake, according to the Daily Record.

The 21-year-old is currently on loan in the Scottish Championship side Queen of the South – but the Gers could potentially recall him and allow him to join Brady’s side – who will be desperate to secure promotion after missing out narrowly last term.

Recording four goals and two assists in 18 appearances for his current loan side, he could be a real asset if he makes the move to Sixfields and would be another statement signing following the recent addition of Harrop.

The same Daily Record report has revealed that they have taken a closer look at him in recent games, so this is definitely a possible signing for them.

Soccer Football – FA Cup – Fourth Round – AFC Bournemouth v Crawley Town – Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth, Britain – January 26, 2021 Crawley Town’s Tom Nichols celebrates scoring their first goal Action Images/John Sibley

Colchester have reportedly made a bid for Crawley Town forward Tom Nichols, according to the Daily Gazette.

The 29-year-old has recorded four goals and seven assists in 23 competitive appearances this term and could be an integral player for the U’s in their quest to get themselves out of relegation danger.

Bradford City may not be interested in taking him away from West Sussex – but a departure could potentially be on the horizon with the player being left out of Crawley’s last two matchday squads.

Scoring just 18 goals in 21 league games, Matt Bloomfield’s side could certainly benefit from someone like Nichols who could be a difference maker in the final third.

Smyth on trial

Soccer Football – League One – Wigan Athletic v Oxford United – DW Stadium, Wigan, Britain – February 1, 2022 Wigan Athletic manager Leam Richardson and Oxford United manager Karl Robinson after the match Action Images/Molly Darlington EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Oxford United boss Karl Robinson has revealed that midfielder Oisin Smyth has been on trial with a League Two club with the view to loaning him out to that side in January, speaking to the Oxford Mail.

The 22-year-old has made just two competitive appearances and with that, he could benefit from making a loan move elsewhere as he looks to fulfil his potential.

Able to be a threat in the final third, the Northern Irishman could be an attractive option for several fourth-tier sides, having previously .