Portsmouth receive enquiries from League One and League Two clubs for ex-Blackburn and Doncaster defender

The News understands that a League One club, plus a League Two promotion-chasing side, are keen to sign the centre-back on loan for the remainder of the season.

Downing's out of favour at Fratton Park and is open to leaving to reignite his career.

The defender signed for the Blues on a free transfer from Blackburn in June 2019 but has struggled to establish himself in Kenny Jackett's side.

After a highly fruitful loan spell at Doncaster, which ended in League One play-off semi-final defeat, Downing was earmarked to be a regular starter when arriving on the south coast.

However, the 29-year-old hasn’t played a league game for more than 15 months and has endured a difficult time at PO4.

This season, the ex-Walsall and MK Dons man has been fourth choice in the central-defensive pecking order.

Sean Raggett and Jack Whatmough have been Jackett's preferred pairing, while FC Midtjylland loanee Rasmus Nicolaisen has also played 10 times.

As a consequence, Downing has regularly been left out of match-day squads and appeared on the bench only twice in the league.

He’s made five appearances in total, all coming in cup competitions.

The Blues were open to offers for Downing and James Bolton – who's also deemed surplus to requirements – in the summer but there were no takers.

In fairness, Jackett’s credited the duo’s attitude they’ve displayed in training despite not featuring in Pompey’s latest promotion push.

But Downing’s now keen to get back playing regular football after what’s been a largely frustrating 18 months.

It’s understood Pompey aren't pushing the West Brom academy graduate out of the exit door but will work with Downing if there’s a move he fancies.

And there’s been interest from League One and League Two clubs, although a switch will be dependent on those teams moving other players on.

With Pompey operating a one out, one in policy during the January transfer window, allowing Downing to leave will free up a berth in the 22-man squad.

The Blues are prioritising a central-midfielder to serve as cover to Andy Cannon.

Jackett must also recruit a new left-back after Cam Pring was recalled by Bristol City.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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