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.
13. James McConnell - Liverpool
Liverpool cut the young talent’s loan with Ajax early after a frustrating start to the season. A host of Championship clubs were interested in acquiring the 21-year-old in the summer before his switch to the Eredivisie. The Reds are expected to send the midfielder, who’s most natural position is in a holding role, on loan to the second tier this month as he continues his development. | AFP via Getty Images
14. Paddy McNair - San Diego
McNair is a versatile operator who can perform in defence as well as in the heart of midfield. The Blues have recently been linked with the 30-year-old, alongside relegation rivals Oxford United. The former Middlesbrough and Sunderland man has a wealth of Championship experience, which has seen him appear more than 200 times at this level as well as amassing 80 caps for Northern Ireland. When in midfield, the ex-Manchester United man likes to operate in the holding role in front of the backline. | Getty Images
15. Tyrese Hall - Spurs
Similarly to Maghoma, Hall is a more attacking midfielder who is throbbing in the number eight role with Notts County. The Spurs loanee has scored five goals and registered three assists from the engine room in League Two this term, with reports suggesting the Premier League club could call time on his stint with the Magpies. This has put Championship clubs on red alert over a potential loan deal for young talent for the remainder of the campaign. | Getty Images