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.
9. Yaya Toure
During Tony Adams’ brief tenure in the Pompey dugout between 2008 and 2009, he was keen to strike a deal for the Barcelona midfielder but signed Hayden Mullins instead. Photo: Michael Regan
10. Edin Dzeko
The Bosnia and Herzegovinan international was another on Tony Adams’ radar, yet a move never came to fruition. Photo: Michael Regan
11. Denilson
The Brazilian winger was handed a trial by Pompey in 2006. He became the world’s most expensive player in 1998 when he joined Real Betis for £21.5m, but couldn't agree a deal with the Blues following his trial period. Photo: Shaun Botterill
12. Javier Saviola
The Argentinian striker was close to a loan move to Fratton Park from Real Madrid in January 2009, but the deal fell through and would instead move to Benfica. Photo: Bagu Blanco