Kenny Jackett’s aiming to bolster his engine room as he finally aims to lead the Blues to League One promotion.
Jackett and his recruitment team will be identifying potential targets who could be prised to Fratton Park, with the funds available for one heavy-hitter in the area.
Pompey are likely to recruit a fringe midfielder from the Championship or a talented youngster in a Premier League side’s under-23s set-up.
We take a look at some players the Blues may be targeting...
1. Conor Coventry - West Ham
The 20-year-old is currently skipper of the Hammers' under-23s and been described as an 'influential captain'. Coventry moved to Lincoln on loan last January and another spell playing senior football would enhance his development. A Republic of Ireland under-21 international, he wouldn't be included in salary cap rules. Photo: Arfa Griffiths
2. Max Sanders - Brighton & Hove Albion
The Horsham lad featured for Brighton in their 4-0 Carabao Cup win over Pompey at the start of the season. However, he's nowhere near the Seagulls' Premier League squad and has been confined to under-23s football after impressing on loan at AFC Wimbledon last term. Championship clubs were reportedly interested in the summer. Photo: Steve Bardens
3. Tom Bayliss - Preston
Things haven't quite worked out for the 21-year-old since his move to North End from Coventry. He's made just 10 Championship appearances - all off the bench - across one-and-a-half seasons and he'll surely want regular football to get his career back on track. Photo: Barrington Coombs
4. George Evans - Derby County
The 26-year-old joined the Rams for a reported fee of £1m in July 2018. Evans has played just one minute of football in Derby's past 15 games, however, and Wayne Rooney's side are well stocked in the engine room. The Rams may not want to loan Evans out to a Championship relegation rival so League One would be the next option. Photo: NurPhoto