PORTSMOUTH have signed former Swindon Town right-back Kieron Freeman on a two-year deal following his release by Swansea City at the end of last season.

Freeman made seven appearances during a loan spell at Fratton Park in the 2015-16 season and split the last campaign between Town and Swansea, although he only made three appearances in total - all of which were under John Sheridan.

Pompey boss Danny Cowley told the club’s official website: “We’re delighted to sign someone of Kieron’s calibre, who has appeared in every professional league in English football.

“Pompey fans will obviously know him quite well from his short loan spell here during the Paul Cook era.

“Since then he’s gone on to be part of an outstanding Sheffield United side that went from League One to the Premier League.

“He’s an overlapping attacking full-back and adds real top-end quality to our squad. Technically, he’s a very good player.”

Meanwhile, Sunderland have signed former Huddersfield attacking midfielder Alex Pritchard on a two-year deal.

The 28-year-old, who was a free agent after being released by the Terriers, becomes the Black Cats’ first arrival of the summer under head coach Lee Johnson.

Pritchard played 44 times for Swindon during the 2013-14 campaign, assisting 11 goals and scoring eight in a season where four other Tottenham Hotspur players joined on loan or via permanent deals.

Speaking to Sunderland's website after his arrival on Wearside, Pritchard said: “There were other offers out there but it’s crucial for me to be with a head coach that knows me as a player, and as a person, and has a playing style that suits me.

“The club speaks for itself – you see the stadium, the training ground, the fans – and I just think this could be a great fit.”

Sunderland boss Johnson said: “It’s not often that you get the opportunity to sign a player of this quality in League One.

“He’s made a lot of sacrifices to come to Sunderland and I think that shows a great desire to play for the fans, for me and for the club.”

Elsewhere, Northampton Town have signed ex-Swindon defender Sid Nelson from Tranmere Rovers on a one-year contract.

Nelson, 25, who made 13 appearances in all competitions for Tranmere last season, previously spent half a season on loan at the County Ground in the latter part of the 2018-19 campaign and featured 24 times.

Cobblers boss Jon Brady told the club’s official website: “He (Nelson) has come in and shown he is a strong leader, he is an organiser and a talker.

“He has got good experience in both League One and League Two and we are really pleased to have him on board.”