Portsmouth swoop for Danish centre-half to strengthen promotion ambition

Former Denmark youth international Rasmus Nicolaisen has arrived on a season-long loan deal from FC Midtjylland.

The 23-year-old left-footed centre-half represents the Blues’ fifth signing of the summer.

And for Kenny Jackett it fills a position he has been eager to strengthen since the end of last season.

Charlie Mulgrew has also been on Pompey’s radar this summer, as has Stoke’s Harry Souttar, with several bids rebuffed for his services.

Now they have recruited Nicolaisen, who has twice won the Danish top flight, while also appeared in the Europa League.

His signing casts further doubt on Paul Downing, who surely now has no future at Fratton Park.