The Blues are expecting another busy period of activity with as many as six new faces tipped to arrive before 7pm on Monday, February 2.
We’ve looked at some of the key areas of focus for Pompey, in terms of both the positions which need strengthening and the issues which could impact business.
1. The big transfer window issues for Pompey
The 8 big Portsmouth issues under microscope in January transfer window | The News.
2. Left-back considerations
A pretty obvious place for January transfer window attention. Connor Ogilvie isn’t due back from knee surgery until the end of January, with Pompey needing to cover the worst-case scenario over his fitness. There’s noise over Jacob Farrell getting closer to a return after his groin and knee issues but, after one league game in 18 months, a fit and ready option at left-back is an obvious requirement. | Graham Hunt/ProSportsImages
3. Centre-back business
With cumulative fitness concerns over Pompey’s centre-backs, five out-and-out options were recruited this summer. Those doubts over availability have proved well founded, with Conor Shaughnessy out for much of the campaign and a significant loss. Regan Poole is now back from his ankle problem but Josh Knight (back) is still missing. Given collective doubts over robustness, a close eye will be kept on how things develop, with a temporary addition quite possibly the route to travel once again. | Stephen Flynn/ProSportsImages
4. Midfield is a must
There’s been some increasingly forthright statements from John Mousinho in recent weeks, not least the admission Pompey are still looking for the right dynamic in the middle of the park. Of the players not here from last season, Freddie Potts has been one of the biggest losses. The £1m addition of Luke Le Roux hasn’t worked so far, underlined by the South African not playing a minute of the past seven games. Likewise, Mark Kosznovszky is still very much a work in progress. John Swift’s form has fluctuated and Marlon Pack is 35 in March, leaving Andre Dozzell as the other option. At least one new face is required here, an addition with the physically imposing and powerful qualities currently absent. | Dan Minto/ProSportsImages