The names were coming thick and fast, even before the Championship season ended.
And the flow of touted Pompey targets never let up from there, until the window closed on September 1.
We’ve pulled together a list of the players linked with the Blues, a little insight into their credibility and an update on what is now happening with those men - with some wildly varying results.
13. Patrick Nuamah
Was linked with Pompey as he sought a new home with Italian side Brescia going to the wall. Never anything firm in the talk, however, with a loan move to Catanzaro developing after joining Sassuolo. | Getty Images
14. Ronan Hale
Striker was linked with Pompey after banging in 18 goals last season with Scottish Championship side Ross Country. Hale has stayed put, however, and banged in nine goals already this term. Photo: Mark Scates - SNS Group
15. Tomas Galvin
One of the first names mentioned this summer and linked with a number of clubs including Wrexham and Charlton, the Dungannon Swifts striker has incredibly turned his back on football at the age of 21 to concentrate on Gaelic Games. Swift has played hurling and Gaelic football for Armagh, where he's pursuing his ambitions away from football. Photo: David Maginnis
16. Karl Hein
Pompey were linked with a £1 move along with Preston and QPR for Arsenal keeper. The talk never stacked up, however, with Hein moving to German outfit Werder Bremen on loan. | AFP via Getty Images