Portsmouth have apparently denied reports that they are in talks to sign Welsh striker Ched Evans.

The 30-year-old has spent the last two seasons with Sheffield United but has been transfer-listed by the club following their promotion back to the Premier League.

Last season the former Manchester City player was sent out on loan in League One with Fleetwood Town, where he scored an impressive 17 goals in 39 appearances to rank as the side's top scorer.

That form was said to have alerted Pompey, who are gearing up for a renewed promotion push next term, with Football Insider claiming on Thursday that the club had opened talks with the striker.

According to The News, however, Kenny Jackett's side have moved quickly to issue "an emphatic denial" when asked about the speculation.

Oxford United, who finished mid-table in League One last season, have also been linked with Evans.