Dagenham & Redbridge star striker Hawkins seals move to Portsmouth

By Sam Elliott
John Still may have publicly criticised previous bids for Oliver Hawkins from Portsmouth but the clubs have today shook hands on a deal to take the highly-rated forward to Fratton Park.
The striker, one of the National League‘s most in-demand players, has agreed a deal as Pompey continue to look towards Non-League talent.
Still hit out at derisory offers for his powerful forward at the end of July but Pompey came back in on Wednesday and upped their offer.
Though failing to keep hold of the 25-year-old, who signed from Hemel Hempstead in 2016, will surely hamper their hopes of winning promotion having looked like they would escape the transfer window with their front line in tact.
Hawkins has signed a three-year deal and the Daggers boss is expected to try and secure a replacement before the deadline tonight.
Pompey boss Kenny Jackett told the club’s official website: “We’re really pleased to get Oliver over the line and I’m looking forward to working with him.
“He’s someone I’ve watched for a long time and is capable of stepping out of Non-League and doing well for us, complementing the players we’ve already got.
“He will obviously add some physicality to our squad. He holds the ball up and is a big threat in the box – in fact he’s useful in both boxes.”