The high-earning players Portsmouth believe they can land as they refuse to rule out splashing cash

But Blues chief executive Mark Catlin underlined the value when it comes to recruiting in the current climate lies in the loan market.

Catlin believes there’s the possibility of landing players earning as much as £15,000 a week if the club look to temporary deals.

That may offer the best avenue for Pompey, with three spaces available in their squad for players over the age of 21.

Loan fees count towards the £2.5m salary cap now in place in League One, but fees for permanent players are exempt.

Paying significant amounts is realistically unlikely, with it doubtful players who command big money will accept wages under the constraints Pompey are working to.

But Catlin made it clear permanent deals and fees are not off the table.

He said: ‘Ideally we would want to take players and sign them permanently, that’s still our first objective.

‘But in some instances you do get a player who is on say £10-15,000 per week at their parent club.

‘Their club will be prepared to do a loan deal at £2,000, so you're getting a £10,000-£15,000-a-week player and yet can take him for £2,000.

‘Trying to get a player on £10-£15,000 to rip up their contract and come and sign for you for £2,000 is very difficult and doesn’t really happen.

‘But we’re perfectly happy to pay fees if needed, and if the right player is there for the right money that’s something we would do.’

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