The attacking midfielders that could fit the bill for Portsmouth

The Blues were keen for midfielder to return to the club after spending the second half of last season on loan from Barnsley.

However, the ex-Luton man instead opted for a switch to Belgium to join KV Oostende, joining for an undisclosed fee.

It’s understood McGeehan wasn’t Kenny Jackett’s prime target, though, and the Pompey boss is instead looking for more of an attack-minded player in the engine room.

With that in mind, we’ve taken a look at the players that could fit the bill...

Scott Fraser – free agent

There's been plenty of clamouring from Pompey fans to sign the Scot on social media after he departed Burton.

Supporters of other clubs have also been doing the same, though, given Fraser's exploits during his two seasons at the Pirelli Stadium.

Arriving from Dundee two years ago, the creative thinker was a key player for the Brewers.

Certainly, he stepped his game up last season, with Burton needing more in attack after Marcus Harness' departure to Pompey.

Fraser impressively registered nine goals and 13 assists in all competitions for a Brewers side that finished 12th in League One.

The 25-year-old’s got guile, superb vision and also isn't afraid to work hard when his side is out of possession.

He’s also left-footed, which is a commodity the Blues are currently scarce of.

The stumbling block, obviously, would be the introduction of the salary cap as he’ll demand significantly more than the £1,300 average wage in the third tier.

Jacob Ramsey – Aston Villa

The under-21s market could prove crucial to Pompey after the implementation of a wage ceiling.

Despite his tender age, the 19-year-old demonstrated he's capable of making an impact at League One level.

Ramsey joined Doncaster on loan in January and swiftly underlined his qualities.

He scored three goals in just eight appearances and Donny boss Darren Moore felt the youngster was only getting better before the Covid-19 outbreak.

Having had his spell at the Keepmoat cut short, Villa may again seek to get Ramsey out on loan in the third tier.

They could see Pompey as a step up from Doncaster to enhance his progress.

Taylor Richards – Brighton

Another Premier League youngster that could fit the bill.

Pompey have already been watching Seagulls left-back Alex Cochrane so also likely know about Richards' qualities.

The 19-year-old joined Brighton from Manchester City for a reported fee of £2.5m last summer but has made just one first-team appearance to date.

Richards' performances in Premier League 2 have been impressive, however.

He recorded five goals and two assists in 14 outings, while he also netted a goal and created one in Brighton under-21s' Leasing.com Trophy campaign.

A jaunt across the south coast could suit all parties if it would help Richards' development and bolster Pompey’s attacking options.

Danny Mandroiu – Bohemians

Pompey got a bargain when they landed Ronan Curtis for £100,000 from Derry City two years ago.

Cultivating the Irish market could again prove fruitful – and Mandroiu is one talent who's exciting.

The Dublin-born ace won himself a move to Brighton aged 15 and featured regularly for their under-23s during the first half of 2018-19.

However, Mandroiu returned to the Emerald Isle midway through the campaign to join Bohemians where he's thrived.

Last campaign, he impressively bagged 11 goals and two assists in 28 appearances as Bohs finished third in the League of Ireland table.

The Republic of Ireland under-21 international continued his flourishing form before the Covid-19 outbreak, bagging three times in five games and has been injured since the resumption of the season.

The Blues would have to pay a fee for the 21-year-old which might prove difficult in the financial climate.

However, Mandoiu might not demand big wages and it could prove beneficial in the long run.

Ryan Broom – Cheltenham

A player that Pompey were linked with midway through last season.

Broom enjoyed a superb year at Cheltenham as they were beaten in the League Two play-off semi-finals.

In total, he scored eight goals and created a further seven.

Broom operated in various roles for the Robins, but it was when he took up an attacking-midfield position where he was arguably at his zenith.

The ex-Bristol Rovers man recorded two assists against Stevenage, as well as creating goals against Bradford, Macclesfield and Mansfield.

Again, there'd need to be a fee involved and would very much be dependent on wages.

Connor Ronan – Wolves

A return of a familiar face?

Ronan didn't have the most spectacular spell when at Fratton Park for the second half of 2017-18 on loan from Molineaux.

However, the Republic of Ireland under-21 international has undoubtedly matured and improved during the two years in between.

Ronan had a spell at Slovakian side DAC Dunajská Streda but it was his time at Blackpool last term where he really caught the eye.

He established himself as a regular started for the Seasiders, scoring one goal and laying on another in 10 games.

The 22-year-old's talked about how he's had to learn to do more off the ball, with his ability in possession not going to keep him in the starting line-up.

It's highly doubtful he'll be in Wolves' plans next term and could look to get some of his wages off the bill.