Kenny Jackett admits January transfer window difficulties during pursuit of fresh Portsmouth faces

But he insists the club remain in talks with transfer targets as they strive to bolster their promotion ambition.

The third-placed Blues require a little fine-tuning rather than squad overhaul during the current transfer window.

Yet the salary cap, squad number restrictions, the covid situation and the introduction of nine-man benches in the Premier League and Championship has made recruiting even tougher.

As it stands, Pompey have two vacancies, which are earmarked for an attacking midfielder and left-back.

Jackett, though, concedes the landscape for those clubs keen to sign players has changed for the worse.

He told The News: ‘You are always looking to strengthen the squad, but there's generally not much movement and it’s very difficult to get any players at present.

‘The good thing is there are no gaping holes in our group at the moment – and long may that continue.

‘Similarly, we would be naive to think it will stay like that with the games we have, so we want to get as strong as we can for what is an important run-in.

‘The transfer market has changed, but there is still a market for Pompey. We’re a great club and people rightly want to join us.

‘There is a market there for us – and one we are working hard trying to capitalise on. We are talking to agents.

‘With the salary cap in League One, the difference between League One and the Championship is vast and we understand that.

‘Also, with covid around, clubs are reluctant to let people go. I can understand that because if you are testing on a regular basis and get a few missing, you do want a deep squad.

‘I know that you’re always looking to cover injuries and suspensions, but covid accelerates it.

‘Certainly the Championship also going into nine substitutes changes it as well. They need more players around them.

‘They are the main differences so far.’

Steve Seddon and Charlie Daniels have been considered as left-back recruits following the loan recall of Cam Pring.

While Jackett has acknowledged he needs to bolster his central midfield options in terms of a player who can bring the ball out and attack.

He added: ‘It’s never easy, you are trying to get the players you think can take you forward as well.

‘It’s very easy to sign players, but it’s ones who – short-term or long-term – can take the club forward and keep raising the bar.

‘I think the standards we have shown at times this season have been quite high and we want to try to maintain that, not water that down.

‘We are working hard and want to go into the second part of the season as strong as we can, but we need players of the quality that can help us.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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