Pompey are eyeing Oldham keeper Alex Cisak to replace Mikkel Andersen.
Andersen is set to start in goal against Leyton Orient tonight, before returning to Reading upon the expiry of his 93-day loan spell.
It leaves Guy Whittingham needing to obtain a replacement ahead of the emergency loan window which ends on Thursday.
The News understands Cisak heads his short-list of goalkeeping targets.
Alternatively, Pompey’s caretaker boss could decide against bringing in a second stopper and instead rely on Simon Eastwood in his 20-man squad.
Yet the preference remains to recruit another keeper, with Cisak in the frame.
Polish-born and raised in Australia, the 23-year-old was a regular for Oldham last term, making 47 appearances.
The former Accrington Stanley keeper featured in the Latics’ 1-0 Fratton Park win earlier this season.
However, contractual issues have ruled him out of Paul Dickov’s side since mid-September.
Whittingham, who brought Ricardo Rocha back to Pompey yesterday, is remaining tight-lipped over the identity of his targets.
It looks like it will be a busy end to the window for Pompey, though.
Whittingham said: ‘We have got a couple lined up to replace Mikkel, but they are in the stages of “will clubs let us or won’t they let us?”
‘However, they are lined up ready to come on loan when he does go back.
‘I want experience. We are fairly quiet as a team and need someone who is going to talk to the back four and organise a little bit.
‘You would also want them to have an idea of what this league is about because a lot of teams do get balls into the box.
‘The higher you go, the better the players and the more they attack centrally.
‘Whereas, there are a lot more balls being crossed in from wide areas in this league.
‘The question has also been asked whether we go out and find another striker or another defender – or do we get a goalkeeper?
‘God forbid if we didn’t and Simon (Eastwood) gets injured.
‘But do we take that risk? It’s something we’ve been talking about and assessing.’
Eastwood has made four appearances for Pompey this season. And Whittingham has been impressed since his summer arrival from Halifax.
He added: ‘If we don’t get one immediately then I have no qualms about putting Simon in there.
‘His attitude is fantastic. Ultimately, I will take advice from (goalkeeping coach) John Keeley on how they are doing because we see bits and pieces and he works with them solidly every day.’
Meanwhile, Pompey winger Andy Higgins has mutually agreed to leave and return to Australia.
The 18-year-old featured in the opening game of the season against Plymouth.
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