The areas Portsmouth look likely to focus their summer recruitment

The Blues are now plotting next season’s push for the Championship after their latest effort fell short.

Kenny Jackett's already released the players he regarded surplus to requirements, with Pompey’s retained list being published last week.

There are currently 18 first-team players who remain under contract for the 2020-21 season.

While Pompey may be working with a smaller group than in previous years amid the coronavirus crisis, they still have areas of the squad that need bolstering.

We’ve taken a look at the likely positions that Jackett will be targeting this summer...

A centre-back with experience

Christian Burgess' departure to Royale Union Saint-Gilloise leaves a void in Pompey's defence.

The fans' favourite delivered what many considered his best football in his five years at Fratton Park this season, which culminated in him being crowned The News/ Sports Mail Player of the Season.

The Blues will miss his experience in central defence and that needs addressing.

Paul Downing has been out of favour for the majority of the season, despite signing a three-year deal last summer.

He could find if tough to fight his way back into Jackett’s plans, having not played a league game since September 17.

Meanwhile, Jack Whatmough must prove his fitness following a third serious knee injury.

The Gosport lad has talent in abundance but he needs to show he’s beyond all of his problems.

A centre-back with power

While Burgess provided more of the brain, it was complemented by the brawn of Sean Raggett in central defence this term.

Despite making a fairly shaky start while on loan from Norwich, the defender slowly but surely won over many of his doubters.

When given a sustained run in the starting line-up, Raggett demonstrated his quality and forged a settled partnership with Burgess.

His improvements were highlighted by the panic when there was doubt whether he'd be available for the play-offs.

Jackett's admitted that he'd be interested in bringing Raggett back permanently and most fans wouldn't be averse to the idea.

But if Pompey are unable to agree a return for the ex-Lincoln man then a defender of similar ilk could be chased.

A left-back - quite possibly two

As things stand, Pompey don't have a senior left-back under contract ahead of next campaign.

Lee Brown and Brandon Haunstrup have both been offered new deals, but neither are yet to sign.

It's looking likely that the latter will depart, having grown frustrated with his lack of regular opportunities.

It's understood that Kilmarnock are interested in Haunstrup and there's a good chance he'll move to Rugby Park on a free transfer.

Brown's likelier to extend his stay after giving a sound account for himself in the play-offs. Over the two legs, arguably no-one performed better.

But even if the ex-Bristol Rovers man does put pen to paper then Pompey will require another left-sided full-back.

It remains to be seen whether the Blues will be able to launch a bid for Steve Seddon given the precarious financial climate.

Although he enjoyed a highly-impressive loan spell at Fratton Park, a sizeable fee Birmingham will likely demand may be off the cards.

A midfielder who could be a familiar face

Ross McCrorie’s returned to Rangers after never quite hitting the heights many expected when he moved to Fratton Park on loan.

The Scotland under-21 international was converted to a right-back during his time at the Blues, which is why Cameron McGeehan was recruited in January.

The on-loan Barnsley man made a steady but not spectacular impact, although he was one of Pompey’s best performers in the play-offs.

Nevertheless, he made a good impression on both the backroom staff and his team-mates, with the Blues exploring the option of another loan.

There will be hope of a return for McGeehan given he’s out of favour at Oakwell.

If that’s not possible then an alternative could be chased.

As Andy Cannon's regarded more as a No10, it leaves Tom Naylor, Ben Close and Bryn Morris as the three deep-lying midfielders.

Jackett had preferred to have four during his time in charge.

A striker that brings something different

The departures of Brett Pitman and Oli Hawkins leaves just Ellis Harrison and John Marquis as recognised options.

Although Jackett's said he feels he has enough attacking players under contract, he does appear one body short in the striking department.

Kevin Nisbet was previously a player on Pompey's shopping list but he has joined Hibernian.

With Hawkins no longer at Fratton Park, the Blues could again look for another target man as back-up who’ll offer the team something different.

Alternatively, a forward with pace who can stretch defences is another potential avenue Jackett could take.

What else might be needed

It very much depends on the players that could leave the club – and two in particular.

Alex Bass is the subject of interest from Crystal Palace and would join the Premier League club in a multi-million pound deal should he depart.

If that was the case then new No1 keeper wouldn't need to be recruited as Pompey already have Craig MacGillivray at the club.

The Scot's proven adept stopper since joining from Shrewsbury in 2018 and it was a shock that he lost his starting spot to Bass on New Year's Day.

However, back-up for MacGillivray would likely be required. While the Blues have Duncan Turnbull under contract, he's inexperienced and a loan spell in non-league will help his development.

Should Ronan Curtis move on to pastures new then Pompey also may turn their attentions to a new left-sided winger.

The Irishman is being eyed by Brentford for a potential replacement for Said Benrahma.

Pompey have Reeco Hackett-Fairchild at the club but he's been regarded as a mid-to-long-term project and may not be ready to play week in, week out.