Blues in frantic dash to land defender

The Blues are desperately trying to bring in at least one loan player to bolster their options in the middle of defence for the League One curtain-raiser with the Cherries today (3pm).

They have until midday to do that with Michael Appleton and his team frantically chasing a host of targets.

Pompey were last night close to bringing Leeds defender Paul Connolly to the club, while a host of other avenues were being explored.

They also expect the loan deals for Chelsea’s Conor Clifford and Reading goalkeeper Mikkel Andersen to be sealed in time for today’s game.

Appleton has recruited nine players who have been trialling with the club throughout the summer.

He has also added free agent Lee Williamson to his Pompey ranks.

Yesterday proved a day of feverish activity at Fratton Park, registering all the necessary paperwork to get in the players Appleton has been given the green light to recruit.

The Football League have given approval for those deals, with international clearance being sought to allow Jack Compton, Liam Walker and Luke Rodgers, whose last club was Lillestrom in Norway, to play today.

There will be hope of more loans arriving, with Reading’s exciting young winger Jordan Obita expected to sign.

QPR’s Shaun Derry is another name who continues to be linked with a return to his old club.

n Meanwhile, Pompey had last night sold nearly 15,000 tickets for today’s game.

And the club have urged fans buying tickets on the day to arrive early.

Tickets can be bought at the booths behind the Fratton End from 9.30am.