The Blues have already signed Conor Shaughnessy, who arrived on a permanent deal of the opening day of the transfer window.
The 26-year-old has joined Sean Raggett, Ryley Towler and Haji Mnoga in John Mousinho’s ranks in the heart of defence.
Currently, Di’Shon Bernard remains the head coach’s preferred option following a successful loan on the south coast during the second half of last term.
However, it’s still to be seen whether he’ll make a permanent return to the south coast, with Championship interest expected when his time at the Gold Cup with Jamaica comes to a close.
With another central defender on Mousinho’s wish-list in the window, we’ve taken a look at eight realistic options Pompey could look at this summer.
Here’s what we found.
. Free agent centre-backs
From left: Bailey Wright, Liam Moore, Di'Shon Bernard, Aden Flint. Photo: National World
5. Di’Shon Bernard
The 24-year-old is the man everyone is talking about this summer and is Pompey’s number one centre-defensive target. He is currently away on international duty, where he is impressing for Jamaica in the Gold Cup. He spent the second half of last term at Fratton Park and appeared 10 times for the Blues in League One. He was released by Manchester United at the end of last term and he would be a statement signing if he was to arrive back to PO4 during the window. Photo: Jason Brown
6. Sonny Bradley
The former Pompey defender departed Luton following their promotion to the Premier League in May. The 31-year-old appeared 163 times in the Championship for the Hatters and capped off his five-year stay by helping his side reach England's top flight. The centre-back spent just one season at Fratton Park in the 2013-14 campaign, where he featured 39 times in all competitions. Following his exit from Kenilworth Road, Bradley has been linked with a number of Championship and League One sides. Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS
7. Ben Heneghan
The 29-year-old spent just one season with Sheffield Wednesday, where he made 13 appearances. However, the central defender has been out since October after suffering a knee injury, which later required surgery. The centre-back has five years of League One experience under his belt and will be looking to find a permanent home once again this summer where he can remain injury free. Photo: Bryn Lennon
8. Liam Moore
Moore departed Reading following the end of a difficult campaign for the Royals, which saw them relegated to League One. The 30-year-old spent seven years at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, where he made 234 appearances. After an injury-hit campaign though, the Jamaican international made just three outings last term due to a career-threatening issue picked up in 2021-22 as well as hamstring and foot problems. If he was to remain fit, a player of Moore’s calibre with Championship experience would add plenty of depth to Pompey’s backline. Photo: Luke Walker