Portsmouth chase Sheffield United man to solve problem position as they target late transfer window business
The 27-year-old defender has represented Wales 17 times, scoring once
Wales international Rhys Norrington-Davies has been targeted by Pompey to plug their left-back problem.
The News understands that the Blues have approached Sheffield United over the possibility of loaning the former Wales international for the season.
The 27-year-old came off the bench for the Blades in Saturday’s goalless draw at Swansea, representing his first league outing of the season.
However, Pompey have received encouragement that Norrington-Davies is available for a move, while his contract is up at the end of the campaign.
Can play left-back or left-sided centre-half
He is currently third-choice left-back at Bramall Lane, behind Harrison Burrows and Sam McCallum. And, while also able to operate as a left-sided centre-half, he is also well down the pecking order there.
Norrington-Davies spent last season on loan at QPR, where he featured 39 times and started both encounters against Pompey, including March’s 6-1 hammering at Loftus Road.
That announced a welcome return to regular action, following several years devastated by hamstring problems, which also cost him involvement for Wales at the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar.
His most recent outing for Craig Bellamy’s side was in June, when he lined up against Romania in an international friendly for his 17st cap, ending in a 2-1 defeat.
Overall, he has made 68 appearances for Sheffield United since coming through their Academy, including Premier League experience in 2023-24.
Connor Ogilvie set-back for Portsmouth
The Blues remain eager to strengthen their left-back area before the September 1 transfer deadline after a fresh injury blow for Connor Ogilvie.
The former Gillingham man last week underwent a second operation after still feeling discomfort in the same knee which had initially gone under the surgeon’s knife in July.
His comeback date has now been put back for another six weeks, while Pompey continue attempts to off-load fellow full-back Jacob Farrell after an injury-ravaged two years on the south coast.
That leaves Zak Swanson as their only available left-back at present, albeit being right-footed, and has started all three of their games this season in the position.
The 25-year-old played the full 90 minutes in Saturday’s deserved 3-1 victory at Lincoln, although did give away a first-half penalty following handball, which was converted by Reeco Hackett.
That represented a first win of the campaign for John Mousinho’s men, with their defence having previously been worryingly exposed after shipping in six goals in two matches.
Pompey have already recruited nine players this summer, yet remain in the market to add three more new arrivals, including a left-back and central midfielder.
They have also been linked with Liverpool left-back Luke Chambers, with the 22-year-old having spent the second half of last season on loan at Charlton.