Mark Catlin insists Portsmouth still seeking signings ahead of Friday deadline

Time is running out for Kenny Jackett to add the central midfielder he wants, with Ben Thompson top of his list.

The Blues are also interested in adding a young striker to a pool which presently contains just Ellis Harrison and John Marquis.

They have been linked with a move for Wolves’ Niall Ennis.

And Catlin insists Pompey remain active in seeking new additions ahead of Friday’s 5pm deadline.

He told The News: ‘We are monitoring situations.

‘Obviously players this time of year are contracted to clubs, unless they are free agents. So it’s not our decision whether they come or not, it’s their host clubs.

‘However, we will continue to work positively towards trying to potentially add a face or to before the closing of the window.

‘If we don’t, we don’t. Kenny is very happy with the squad we’ve got, but, as always, we’re on the lookout to improve where we possibly can.

‘If a youngster came up at a club that was outside the salary cap, obviously that would be appealing, as would someone we could possibly bring in to strengthen the existing starting XI.

‘As always, it is down to the manager, the host club and doing what we can from a negotiation point of view to try to get a deal done.’

Jackett has already admitted to Blues interest in Thompson, although doesn’t believe an agreement with Millwall is likely.

Although Pompey’s chief executive would not be drawn on the issue.

Catlin added: ‘I don’t think it’s fair to comment about any individual player from any particular club.

‘We never have done and aren’t going to start doing that now.’

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