With the transfer window still six days away, Pompey have already been linked with 17 names ahead of the upcoming market as the Blues boss attempts to assemble a side capable of reaching the Championship.
Although Marlon Pack, Kyle Wootton and Matt Butcher are all names who would currently please the Fratton faithful, it’s a far cry from the signings the club could’ve made when they were a regular Premier League outfit and in the Championship.
Here, we take a look at the best 16 stars who have been close to arriving at PO4 this century.
Have a read through to see what could’ve been.
. CARSON, CA - AUGUST 29: David Beckham #23 of the Los Angeles Galaxy looks on prior to their SuperLiga Final match against Pachuca at the Home Depot Center on August 29, 2007 in Carson, California. Pachuca defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy 4-3 in penalty kicks after the game ended in a 1-1 tie. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
David Beckham was once close to joining Pompey on a mid-season loan from LA Galaxy. Photo: Victor Decolongon
. Sergio Aguero
Pompey owner Sulaiman Al Fahim promised to the Argentinian superstar under his short tenure, yet a move never came to fruition and the striker signed for Man City in 2011. Photo: Michael Regan
. David Beckham
Following his move to LA Galaxy, the England was made available for a loan during the MLS off-season. Despite Redknapp expressing interest, Beckham instead joined AC Milan. Photo: Stu Forster
. Didier Drogba
Pompey boss Harry Redknapp was keen to sign the then midfielder after he impressed at Guingamp. A £2m deal was never struck and Drogba would go onto join Marseille before his switch to Chelsea. Photo: Shaun Botterill
. Paul Gascoigne
The ex-England international told the club ‘let’s talk’ after being linked with a move that never happened in the early 2000s. Photo: David Rogers
. Thiago Motta
Arrived at Fratton Park on trial in 2008 but a deal for the ex-Barcelona man was never agreed and he would go on to appear for Inter Milan and PSG. Photo: Dean Mouhtaropoulos
1. Sergio Aguero
Pompey owner Sulaiman Al Fahim promised to the Argentinian superstar under his short tenure, yet a move never came to fruition and the striker signed for Man City in 2011. Photo: Michael Regan
2. David Beckham
Following his move to LA Galaxy, the England was made available for a loan during the MLS off-season. Despite Redknapp expressing interest, Beckham instead joined AC Milan. Photo: Stu Forster
3. Didier Drogba
Pompey boss Harry Redknapp was keen to sign the then midfielder after he impressed at Guingamp. A £2m deal was never struck and Drogba would go onto join Marseille before his switch to Chelsea. Photo: Shaun Botterill
4. Paul Gascoigne
The ex-England international told the club ‘let’s talk’ after being linked with a move that never happened in the early 2000s. Photo: David Rogers