Verdict: left-sided centre-back will now be Portsmouth's transfer window focus

That's the verdict of The News sports writer, Jordan Cross, speaking in the latest episode of Pompey Talk.

Kenny Jackett admitted Paul Downing could be the catalyst for a defensive shake-up.

The ex-Blackburn man hasn't featured in League One since September 17 and is now fourth choice in the pecking order.

However, Jackett doesn’t want to leave himself short of options for the business end of the campaign.

The Fratton Park boss has previously admitted a left-footed central defender is high up on his shopping list during this month’s transfer window, with ex-Ipswich man Tommy Smith recently linked.

And Cross feels the Blues will prioritise strengthening that position.

He said: ‘Pompey have got four centre-halves already, while Tom Naylor, Oli Hawkins and Ross McCrorie can play there.

‘There’s up to 6-7 centre-halves there. I know they’re not orthodox players but you have to factor that into the equation.

‘If I’m a betting man, even the fact Downing maybe has to go out, you'd think they're putting all their efforts into getting rid of a body before the end of the month to allow it.

‘There are a lot of ways it can still turn. There are other players that might generate interest. As Kenny Jackett says – you don't sell a player, other clubs buy them.

‘If someone doesn’t come in for Downing, although you can see there’s a possibility clubs will before the end of the month, they may have to look to shift someone elsewhere.

'I think Downing will be the one more likely to go to allow an extra body in and get the big left-sided, powerful presence.

'In terms of breakdown of centre-halves and the attributes at Pompey, they’re short of a bit of power and a left-footer.

‘Even if it’s a right-footer who is comfortable playing on the left-hand side, that might well be where all the energy is being focused for the rest of this month.’