The inside track on Portsmouth's recruitment of FC Midtjylland's Rasmus Nicolaisen

But the Blues boss insisted he's done his own due diligence on the centre-back and takes full responsibility for any signings that arrive at Fratton Park.

Nicolaisen moved to Pompey on a season-long loan from FC Midtjylland on Wednesday.

The former Denmark youth international had been on the Blues' radar for the past two seasons, having been first spotted by head of European scouting Roberto Gagliardi.

After previously being keen on Blackburn's Charlie Mulgrew, Stoke's Harry Souttar andSilkeborg centre-half Anders Hagelskjaer – according to reports in Denmark – Pompey turned their attention to Nicolaisen.

He was identified as the defender who can fill the left-footed centre-back void that hasn’t been filled since Matt Clarke departed for Brighton in the summer of 2019.

Jackett spoke about the trust between himself, Gagliardi and head of recruitment Phil Boardman when it comes to signing players he’s not too familiar with.

But the manager stressed he's also seen plenty of Nicolaisen in action – and it’s he who gives the green light on all transfers.

Jackett told The News: ‘Our European scout, Roberto Gagliardi, has worked hard over the past couple of seasons.

‘The reason we've put that work in is that if we feel we've exhausted the English market or there's not a player who suits our requirements then we want to be able to branch out.

‘In the past couple of seasons, it's been difficult for us to bring in a left-footed centre-back from this country.

‘We do feel the timing is right for us to bring in Rasmus from Denmark.

‘We have worked hard. Roberto and Phil Boardman has worked hard. There is trust and you've got to trust your staff to do their jobs.

‘Similarly, with the technology these days, I have watched all of his games.

‘I take responsibility for the signing, having watched all of his pre-season games as well this season. It's not like we are going into it blind.’

Nicolaisen will be hoping to make his Pompey debut when Wigan visit Fratton Park on Saturday.

The 23-year-old will have to dislodge either Jack Whatmough or Sean Raggett from the centre of defence, though.

The pair have recorded successive clean sheets in the Blues' opening two League One games – goalless draws against Shrewsbury and Rochdale.

Still, Jackett's delighted he’s added Nicolaisen to his squad for Pompey’s promotion push.

He added: ‘We've been tracking Rasmus for quite a while and are delighted he became available

‘He can, and will, complement the centre-backs we have and is looking forward to coming to Pompey.’

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