‘Been a phone call’: Sheffield United boss confirms Portsmouth's transfer pursuit of former QPR loanee Rhys Norrington-Davies

Chris Wilder has confirmed Pompey’s interest in Rhys Norrington-Davies.

The Sheffield United boss has revealed contact has been made by the Blues regarding the Wales international as they look to make a left-back signing before the close of the transfer window.

However, Wilder is wary of allowing the 27-year-old to leave Bramall Lane in case it leaves him short of defensive cover over the first half of the season.

Norrington-Davies emerged as a Fratton Park target over the weekend as John Mousinho looks to bolster his left full-back department amid Connor Ogilvie and Jacob Farrell’s ongoing injury concerns.

The News reported Pompey approached their Championship rivals over the possibility of securing the experienced full-back on a season-long loan.

The defender is currently down Wilder’s pecking order at left-back and spent last season on loan at QPR, where he featured 39 times for the Rs.

Harrison Burrows and Sam McCallum both featured in Sheffield United’s opening two league matches so far and appear to be Wilder’s preferred choices.

As a result, Norrington-Davies has subsequently been reduced to one substitute appearance to date this term, which came in Saturday’s goalless draw with Swansea City.

Chris Wilder confirms Pompey interest in Sheffield United left-back

Despite his lack of game time for United, Wilder confirmed the defender will be required for the Blades’ Carabao Cup second-round contest against Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday night.

And although the head coach firmed up Pompey’s interest. he offered no guarantees that their enquiry would lead to a move.

Speaking to Sheffield United TV, Wilder said: ‘We’re not going to weaken our team. There’ll be a lot of decisions over the next week.

‘There’s been a lot of phone calls for our players as well but we have to make sure we’re protected and we don’t leave ourselves light.

‘There’s been a phone call on Rhys but at the moment he’s with us. He was on the bench and came on on Saturday.

‘We’re going to have to make sure that we protect ourselves and make sure that we’re not short of good players. Rhys is a good player and a top pro as well.

‘He just gets on with his business and understands that he’s employed by us at this particular moment and he’ll be involved tomorrow night.’

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Pompey target new left-back

Pompey are in the market for a new left-back before the close of the window, with Ogilvie and Farrell still out with knee and groin issues respectively.

This has required right-back Zak Swanson to answer Mousinho’s SOS on the opposite flank for their opening three matches of the 2026-27 campaign.

Amid Pompey’s interest in Norrington-Davies, Liverpool youngster Luke Chambers has also been touted with a switch to PO4 before the deadline.

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