With the transfer window still six days away, Pompey have already been linked with 17 names ahead of the upcoming market as the Blues boss attempts to assemble a side capable of reaching the Championship.
Although Marlon Pack, Kyle Wootton and Matt Butcher are all names who would currently please the Fratton faithful, it’s a far cry from the signings the club could’ve made when they were a regular Premier League outfit and in the Championship.
Here, we take a look at the best 16 stars who have been close to arriving at PO4 this century.
Have a read through to see what could’ve been.
5. Thiago Motta
Arrived at Fratton Park on trial in 2008 but a deal for the ex-Barcelona man was never agreed and he would go on to appear for Inter Milan and PSG. Photo: Dean Mouhtaropoulos
6. Nicolas Anelka
From Madrid to Pompey. Something that Harry Redknapp was keen to do in the summer of 2007. However, the French international chose Bolton as his next destination with the Blues signing David Nugent instead. Photo: Ian Walton
7. Pep Guardiola
With his career coming to a close, the midfielder wanted to take on a further coaching role, something Pompey weren’t prepared to accommodate. Photo: Getty Images
8. Juan Pablo Sorin
The Blues came close to signing the Argentina captain in 2003 but a deal collapsed in the 11th hour, with Redknapp claiming he was not on their radar. Photo: DANIEL GARCIA