And it’s shaping up into a critical period of recruitment for Pompey and their Championship hopes.
John Mousinho told The News last week a central defender will be on the agenda, following the news Conor Shaughnessy is sidelined for the rest of the year.
We’ve pulled together some of the options who could conceivably be on the Pompey recruitment team’s radar, when it comes to loans and also a potential permanent deal or two at the start of 2025.
5. Nathan Wood
Made a strong impression across two seasons with Swansea and earned himself a £4.5m move to Southampton on the summer. Only featured in the Carabao Cup there, however, and a loan move for some Championship minutes could appeal. | CameraSport - Dave Howarth
6. Luke Woolfenden
A central part of Ipswich's title win last season, the 26-year-old would be an outstanding addition at Championship level after finding playing time hard to come by at Portman Road this term. Realistically, Woolfenden probably doesn't look far enough down the pecking order for Ipswich to consider a loan move, however. | CameraSport - Dave Howarth
7. Michael Ihiekwe
Defender’s had his injury issues at Sheffield Wednesday, restricting the 32-year-old to just three league starts after an Achilles problem. No doubt a classy operator on his day, however. Not clear what his contract situation is, but after signing in 2022 there’s every chance his deal could be running down at Hillsborough. | The News
8. Liam Kitching
A man Rich Hughes knows well and one of the Pompey sporting director's big success stories at Forest Green. Has since enioyed success at Barnsley and Coventry, but it's been limited playing time for the 25-year-old this term. With a new boss coming in with the Sky Blues, there may be changes afoot at the Coventry Building Society Arena. | Getty Images