Ex-Burnley, Swindon and Bristol Rovers man ruled out as Portsmouth target - despite ongoing transfer links

Despite reports of the Blues’ interest in the out-of-contract defender, The News understands the 23-year-old is not on their radar.

With Pompey open to offers for Denver Hume, they are keen to recruit another left-back this summer to provide competition for Connor Ogilvie.

However, Koiki does not fit the bill, despite having been a member of the Cobblers’ League Two promotion-winning side and now out of contract.

Incidentally, Pompey had tracked the former Bristol Rovers man in the January 2022 window, with Danny Cowley keen on recruiting an attacking left-back.

Ironically, he instead opted for Hume, paying £200,000 for his services – and it has subsequently been a forgettable 18 months for the ex-Sunderland man.

Now the Blues have been linked with Koiki once more, along with Aberdeen, Wycombe and St Mirren.

Yet with Cowley having departed as head coach, there is no longer any appetite from those currently overseeing recruitment to resurrect a former playing target.

Instead sporting director Rich Hughes is searching elsewhere to strengthen that left-back position, having taken up the 12-month option of Ogilvie’s contract at the season’s end.

Ogilvie started 22 of John Mousinho’s 23 matches in charge last season, his sole absence being April’s goalless draw with Morecambe when injured.

The ex-Spurs man’s consistent form has effectively made Hume surplus to requirements, although Pompey will want a fee to offload him this summer.

In the meantime, they are seeking left-back reinforcements, with Hughes gunning to bring in up to 10 fresh faces once the transfer window opens on Wednesday (June 14).

In addition to Hume, the Blues are also hoping to sell Reeco Hackett this summer and have been encouraged by early interest in the winger.

Meanwhile, Jay Mingi is expected to depart on a free transfer, with a contract tabled in December still to be signed by the former Charlton man.

A new 12-month deal has also been offered to Ronan Curtis, who is currently sidelined through a knee ligament injury and not anticipated to return until December.