Portsmouth pinpoint Gillingham striker Brandon Hanlan as man to make difference to attacking options

The Blues are keen on the pacy striker to bolster their attacking resources next season and bridge the gap between play-off failure and promotion success.

Hanlan has spent the past two seasons with Gillingham, where he’s bagged 16 goals in 84 appearances.

But Kenny Jackett now wants to bring the 23-year-old to Fratton Park, with Hanlan seen as a man who can bring something different to the table for his side next term.

The former Charlton man is out of contract this summer but has remained at Priestfield where he’s wanted by boss Steve Evans.

Hanlan has still been training with the Gills who’ve offered him a new deal which was rejected, before returning with an improved offer.

Jackett would look to use the Londoner in a deeper role, where he feels his searing turn of foot would be effective in driving at defences.

Pompey currently have Ellis Harrison and John Marquis as their out-and-out attacking options, with Andy Cannon and Gareth Evans the prominent players in the number 10 position.

The Blues have indicated they are willing to look at playing Marcus Harness in the deeper central role in Jackett’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.

Assistant manager, Joe Gallen, has suggested the club may have to bide their time to get the players they feel can make a difference next term.

Gallen also underlined the importance of making signings who improve their current options.

Pompey are keen on a left-back and left-sided centre-half, with Hanlan perfectly fitting the bill for the new face up front which is wanted.

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