Portsmouth targeting double January transfer window signing to bolster promotion ambition

This week’s departures of Cam Pring and Reeco Hackett-Fairchild brings the squad down to 20.

That creates two spaces within salary cap-driven restrictions – which Mark Catlin insists the Blues are striving to fill.

Jordy Hiwula’s new deal means additional strikers aren’t required, while, as it stands, no central-halves are needed unless Rasmus Nicolaisen opts to return to Denmark.

However, Pring, who has exited for Bristol City, must be replaced at left-back, while the central midfield area is recognised as a position requiring strengthening.

Pompey’s chief executive admitted the Blues possess the desire – and financial resources – to recruit for both roles.

Catlin told The News: ‘You can’t stand still, you are always looking to improve in every position, if that is possible.

‘If we’d have gone into the window and come out the other side with the same squad, I don't think that would have been the end of the world given the run we were on and how we were performing.

‘But with Cameron going back, we will have to see how that pans out. You are always looking to improve in those positions where vacancies do arise.

‘Even before that, we’ve kept our powder dry slightly. There’s (also) an option to bring in the right player if it’s within the salary cap – and if Kenny believes it will strengthen the squad.

‘It’s always important to manage expectations and the salary cap budget is all but spent, but we probably do have the flexibility to bring in an additional player.

‘Then really if Kenny wants to bring anyone else in, the maths dictate a player has to go out, but I don’t believe that is the intention.

‘We don't want to change just for change’s sake, though.

‘This isn’t a case for us to roll the dice. We are not mid-table, 15 points off top. We are right there.’

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