The wait for incomings continues at Fratton Park, with Pompey expected to ramp up their business ahead of the trip to Sheffield Wednesday next week.
It’s set to be busy on the south coast as John Mousinho looks to improve his squad ahead of the hugely-important second half of the season.
Following Mark Kosznovszky’s season-ending knee injury, Pompey have been left with Marlon Pack, Andre Dozzell, John Swift and Luke Le Roux as their options in the middle of the park.
With potentially two new faces needed in the engine room - a holding midfielder as well as a versatile number eight - we’ve scoured the markets to find 14 potential midfielders who could be realistic options for the Blues in January.
5. Joe Rothwell - Rangers
It’s been a disastrous start to life at Ibrox for the 30-year-old, who made the move from Leeds United in the summer. Despite signing under Russell Martin, the deep-lying midfielder is out of the picture under boss Danny Rohl, which has seen him register just two appearances since October. A host of Championship clubs have been credited with an interest in Rothwell, with Rangers expected to sanction a departure during the window with six months to go on his current terms. | Getty Images
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6. Marc Leonard -Birmingham City
Pompey were linked with the midfielder under Mousinho in February 2024, but the head coach cleared any reports to the former Brighton man. After playing a vital role in Birmingham’s League One promotion winning side last term, the 24-year-old has featured 15 times for the Blues in the Championship to date. However, Chris Davies' men are reportedly willing to let the 2024 arrival depart St Andrews, with 18 months to go on his deal. | Getty Images
7. Ebou Adams - Derby County
The holding midfielder was outstanding on loan for Derby last season, which saw him make a permanent move to Pride Park in the summer. However, the 29-year-old has fallen down the pecking order under John Eustace, with reports suggesting he could depart this month. Adams is someone sport director Rich Hughes knows well, with the ex-Cardiff man impressing during his time with Forest Green. | Getty Images
8. Alex Robertson - Cardiff City
It goes without saying how the Fratton faithful would love to one day see the Aussie sensation return to PO4. After a difficult start to the season, with Brian Barry-Murphy calling for the midfielder to step up in training, Robertson is now back in the fold at League One promotion hopefuls Cardiff. There was strong Championship interest in the classy operator in the summer, while The News revealed a Fratton return would’ve been welcomed by the midfielder. | Getty Images