That’s because the Blackburn Rovers loanee’s deal at Ewood Park still has two-and-a-half years remaining, presenting Danny Cowley with a hefty fee to fork out IF Tony Mowbray decided to let the defender leave at the season’s end.

So what are the alternatives if Carter’s Fratton Park stay remains a short-term one?

Here’s 18 viable centre-back options across the Championship and League One whose contracts expire in June.