Lincoln City look set to sign centre-back Ryler Towler, beating fellow League One sides to the 23-year-old, according to a report.
The Imps are in need of a new defender this summer, having lost star player Paudie O’Connor to Reading last month. They have already recruited in the area, with Sonny Bradley arriving from Wycombe Wanderers earlier in the window, and have been reportedly chasing a move for Haji Mnoga from Salford City to play at right wing-back.
Towler Set For Sincil Bank
According to the Daily Mirror’s Dan Marsh, Lincoln are set to win the race for Ryley Towler, who has struggled for minutes at Portsmouth last season. He played just 12 times in the Championship last season, and did not make a squad for John Mousinho’s side since a March league game against Preston North End.
Joining from Bristol City in 2023, he immediately became an integral squad member in his debut season with 20 appearances in League One for Pompey, but had minimal impact the following season as the Fratton Park side cruised to the third-tier title. He has also earned loan experience with AFC Wimbledon and Grimsby Town whilst playing for The Robins.
Lincoln have beaten multiple League One sides to the 23-year-old’s signature, with Luton Town, Huddersfield Town and Blackpool all credited with previous interest. The Hatters may be forced into the centre-back market with Teden Mengi’s future in doubt, after Birmingham City were interested in the English defender prior to making a breakthrough to sign Ben Davies.
Writers’ View
Ryley Towler has struggled for game time since joining Portsmouth, with under 50 games in three years. A move to Lincoln City will see him return to a division he looked much more comfortable in and likely to get much more game time with Michael Skubala’s side. He also brings a more youthful profile to the Imps, with only Thomas Hamer below the age of 27. Alongside Sonny Bradley, a deal for Towler will adequately replace Paudie O’Connor whilst adding new depth to the defensive department.
