Breaking: Portsmouth and Cardiff in the hunt for Barnsley man
The right-back made 51 appearances for the Tykes last season
Pompey are tracking Jordan Williams as they seek to strengthen their defence.
The right-back has emerged as a Blues target following his departure from Barnsley at the end of the season.
It is understood the 24-year-old, who has previously spent two seasons in the Championship, is also interesting Cardiff ahead of Friday’s opening of the summer transfer window.
Williams made 201 appearances and scored nine times during six seasons with the Tykes, winning promotion from League One in 2018-19.
He also lined-up against Pompey in both fixtures between the teams last season, including April’s dramatic 3-2 victory which brought the League One title to Fratton Park.
Williams served as Barnsley captain last season and featured in every League One fixture, starting all but one, totalling 51 appearances and one goal.
Right-back is a priority position for the Blues to strengthen this summer following Joe Rafferty’s departure and the decision not to take up an option on Zak Swanson.
Swanson could still remain, with Pompey in talks with the 23-year-old over the possibility of extending his south-coast stay through a fresh deal.
Regardless, there is not a single contracted right-back ahead of the Championship return and Williams possesses the experience - and leadership - to fit the bill.
The former Huddersfield man arrived at Oakwell for an undisclosed transfer fee in August 2018 and went on to establish himself as a mainstay of their side, with 58 outings in the Championship.
He was released following Barnsley’s League One semi-final play-off defeat to Bolton, along with the likes of top scorer Devante Cole, Herbie Kane and Nicky Cadden.