SAINTS will face a battle with bitter rivals Pompey if they want to continue their pursuit of former trainee Brian Howard.

The Fratton Park outfit are keen on signing the Winchester-born midfielder, who could leave Reading before the start of next season.

But Howard has been a target of Saints manager Nigel Adkins, who tried to bring him to St Mary’s only three months ago.

Reading’s senior management were last night holding a meeting to discuss their summer recruitment, and what players are likely to leave the Madejski Stadium.

Howard, who has been used sparingly by the Royals this season, is one of the favourites to move on.

He still has a year left on his contract, but doesn’t appear to form a key part of manager Brian McDermott’s plans.

The 28-year-old made just one appearance for Reading in the Championship play-offs.

That was as a very late substitute in the semi-final first leg against Cardiff. Howard was an unused sub in the 4-2 Wembley final defeat to Swansea.

His last start came back on April 5, in a 2-1 home win against Preston.

Adkins, pictured below, had enquired about bringing the former Saints youth team player back to the club in March, ahead of the final loan window of the season closing.

A deal could not be worked out, but Howard admitted he would talk to McDermott once the season finished to discuss his future.

After playing a bit-part role in the final stages, and with McDermott possessing other options in the centre of midfield, Howard’s best hope of playing regularly would appear to be to move on.

Saints have already reportedly had a bid for another former midfielder, Jack Cork, accepted by Chelsea, indicating that Adkins would like to strengthen in the centre of midfield.

If Reading are willing to part company with Howard, then he would be another potential option.

But Pompey, who this week unveiled new owners, are understood to have the player high up their list of targets.

Howard started his career as a trainee with Saints, but never made a first-team appearance for the club.

He left in the summer of 2003 to join Swindon, where he spent two seasons, before signing for Barnsley.

Howard enjoyed three-and-ahalf good seasons at Oakwell, which led to a move to Sheffield United in 2008.

After a short spell with the Blades, he then joined Reading on a three-year deal in September 2009, with the Royals paying a fee of £500,000 for the player.

Howard has made 67 appearances for the Championship side, scoring three goals.