Incomings and outgoings: how the final weeks of the transfer window could pan out for Portsmouth

The cut-off point for clubs to get deals tied up is at 11pm on Friday, October 16, which is just more than three weeks away.

Kenny Jackett admitted last week that the Blues’ activity between now and the window closing will be minimal and doesn't envisage wholesale changes.

So far, the boss has signed four players – Sean Raggett (Norwich), Callum Johnson (Accrington) and Michael Jacobs (Wigan) on permanent deals, while Cameron Pring arrived on a season-long loan from Bristol City.

Jackett said a couple of players might arrive before the window closes, while one or two could also depart – but not much more than that.

Here, we take a closer look at where the Pompey manager may look to bolster his squad and which players could leave.

Incomings

The top priority for Pompey remains bringing in a new centre-back.

The Blues have not yet replaced Christian Burgess, who was at the fulcrum of last season's failed promotion push.

Ideally, Jackett would like to recruit a left-footed central defender – a commodity he's not had since Matt Clarke left more than a year ago.

Pompey believe it would help the balance of their defence, while allowing counter-attacks to start more quickly.

Yet the Blues are aware a left-footed central defender is a rare attribute and they may have to take the best player that's available.

Harry Souttar is someone who is high up Pompey's wish list, but he's being kept at Stoke for the time being.

He impressed in the Potters’ Carabao Cup win over Wolves last week, which has done the Blues no favours in their bid to prise the Aussie to the south coast.

However, he failed to make the bench for Stoke’s defeat against Bristol City on Sunday.

Leicester's Josh Knight is also someone who Pompey registered and interest in earlier in the summer.

If Jackett signs another centre-half then that will take his squad to 21 senior players – still below the limit clubs are allowed under new salary cap rules.

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There could be a couple of departures to accompany that of Reeco-Hackett Fairchild, which we'll move onto shortly, giving the Pompey boss the wiggle room to strengthen other areas.

Sections of fans are worried the striking department is a body light, with John Marquis and Ellis Harrison the only options.

The Blues cooled their interest in Brandon Hanlan, who'd have added pace to their front line, but something different to Marquis and Harrison may appeal.

What’s more, there's now concerns among supporters that Pompey are lacking an energetic midfielder who can foray forward with the ball at his feet after starting the league season with two goalless draws.

Outgoings

The fringe players currently in Jackett's squad are fairly evident.

But those who could leave, most likely on a temporary basis, will ultimately depend on who the manager believes would benefit the most and if Pompey can cope without them.

Jackett, did after all tell The News this week that he does have to factor in potentially losing players due to the rise in coronavirus cases again.

Reeco Hackett-Fairchild completed a return to Bromley on Monday evening until January 3.

The winger has made just one appearance since arriving from the Ravens at the start of the year and was not included in a single match-day squad this season.

In addition, Haji Mnoga looks certain to leave to aid his development.

Pompey don't want the 18-year-old to stagnate and would rather him play regularly elsewhere to encourage his progress.

Jackett ideally wants Mnoga to join a non-league side on a youth loan.

That's because, after a 28-day period, there can be a break clause, meaning the Southsea lad could be recalled when needed for Fratton duty.

National League clubs have declared their interest already.

Should the Blues recruit a centre-bac,k then Paul Downing’s future surely must be considered.

Since arriving from Blackburn last summer, the defender's endured a difficult time.

He hasn't featured in League One for more than a year and is currently behind Jack Whatmough and Sean Raggett in the central-defence pecking order.

With Tom Naylor able to drop back into the rearguard, along with Mnoga and James Bolton also able to play there, then there'd be ample cover.

It's understood that there has been some interest in Downing, although if he is to depart then it won't be until someone else is recruited.

Gareth Evans is understandably frustrated after he was jettisoned from the match-day squad at Rochdale, despite starting the first three games of the campaign.

But he's an experienced figure in the dressing room and a Pompey stalwart who Jackett may be reluctant to lose – even if the midfielder's game time is going to be limited.

Another interesting one who was omitted at Rochdale was Bolton.

The right-back has been reduced to a deputy role to Callum Johnson after his arrival from Accrington, but it was surprising he wasn't in the 18 at Spotland.

Bolton didn't have his finest of games in the 4-0 Carabao Cup loss at Brighton, but that was against a Premier League side and he hadn't played in several weeks.

Nevertheless, if the circumstances were correct then someone like Bolton departing could create some leeway in the budget.

Duncan Turnbull won’t be registered in the League One squad and there are hopes the keeper will find a loan club.

The American was on trial with the Hawks earlier this summer but Paul Doswell opted not to sign him.

Taylor Seymour signed a one-year deal last week and is another stopper who’s likely to head out.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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