Opinion: Brighton's Max Sanders or Bournemouth youngster Nnamdi Ofoborth would be ideal January signings for Portsmouth

Brighton’s Max Sanders has been identified as the ideal January arrival to help bolster Pompey’s midfield options.
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The Blues are keen to add to their ranks in the middle of the park, with the transfer window open for business from today.

Tom Naylor and Andy Cannon have seen their influence in that area grow as the season has progressed.

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But with the games set to come thick and fast in the new year because of postponements, quality man-for-man cover is in need despite the presence of both Ben Close and Bryn Morris within manager Kenny Jackett ranks.

But when asked on Pompey Talk: The Podcast to delve deeper into his research and come up with a name that makes sense more than anyone, he said Brighton’s 21-year-old Sanders would fit the bill perfectly.

The Amex Stadium youth product impressed against Pompey and Preston in the EFL Cup this season but is still waiting on the call-up for a Premier League match day.

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He enjoyed an impressive loan spell at AFC Wimbledon last term and is expected to be available for loan this month

Max Sanders in action for Brighton against Preston in this season's EFL Cup.  Picture: Jason Cairnduff/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)Max Sanders in action for Brighton against Preston in this season's EFL Cup.  Picture: Jason Cairnduff/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Max Sanders in action for Brighton against Preston in this season's EFL Cup. Picture: Jason Cairnduff/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

And according to Rooney, Sanders – along with Bournemouth’s Nnamdi Ofoborh – would be impressive additions to the Blues’ options

When asked who he would like to arrive this month, Rooney said: ‘Personally, I'd like to see Max Sanders at Brighton (come in).

‘He had a good season at Wimbledon last season, he played against Pompey in the cup earlier in the season, and then he really impressed against a Championship side in Preston in their subsequent game in the League Cup.

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‘For me, he's been stuck in under-23s football - and it's a little bit maybe like a Cam Pring or a Steve Seddon situation.

Bournemouth youngster Nnamdi Ofoborh.  Picture: James Williamson - AMA/Getty ImagesBournemouth youngster Nnamdi Ofoborh.  Picture: James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images
Bournemouth youngster Nnamdi Ofoborh. Picture: James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images

‘He's done it at a lower club and now's the time to move up to a Pompey where he can really show how good he is and how far he could go by moving up to a club where there's going to be a lot more pressure on him to perform.

‘You’d like to thank someone that like might be able to do it.

‘So someone like a Maz Sanders, for me, would be interesting, along with Ofobor at Bournemouth, who obviously helped Wycombe go up last season.

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‘There are options, but we've said it before – getting players in now is going to be harder because with nine players on the bench it's two more berths managers have to fill.’

Twenty-one-year-old Ofoborh has made five appearances, including three in the league, for the Cherries this season.

He has been a regular on manager Jason Tindall’s bench and helped Wycombe reach the Championship last term via the play-offs.

Ofoborh was sent off for the Chairboys in their 1-0 win at Fratton Park during the 2019-20 season.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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