The News revealed on Friday that the current England Under-20 head coach was interested in a Fratton Park reunion – nearly six years after he left the south coast for the FA’s St George’s Park.
Now the 46-year-old has been heavily tipped to make that return journey, with Pompey expected to unveil their successor to Danny Cowley in the next 24 hours.
But why is Paul Cook’s former assistant now seen by many as the man to lead the Blues into a brand new era under director of football Richard Hughes?
Well, you just have to look at his achievements ever since saying goodbye to the club in February 2017 – just months before Pompey lifted the League Two title on the final day of the 2016-17 season.
5. 2022 FIFA Under-19 European Championship winners
After tasting under-17 success in 2017 as a coach, Foster claimed his first piece of silverware as the main man by guiding England's under-19s to Euros glory last July. The young Three Lions - who included current Pompey player Dane Scarlett - lifted the trophy in Slovakia thanks to a 3-1 AET final win against Israel. Before reaching the finals, Foster's side topped their qualification group and went on to win their three Elite Round games in March 2022. They were the only team to qualify from the Elite Round with a 100-per-cent win rate. Picture: VLADIMIR SIMICEK/AFP via Getty Images Photo: VLADIMIR SIMICEK
6. 2023 FIFA Under-20 World Cup qualification
As a result of the under-19s' success in Slovakia, England have automatically qualified for the 2023 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, which will be held in Indonesia between May and June of this year. Foster is currently expected to be in charge of the under-20s. Picture: VLADIMIR SIMICEK/AFP via Getty Images Photo: VLADIMIR SIMICEK
7. Elite youth development
During his time with England, Foster has worked with, mentored and helped develop a host of top talent, including Phil Foden, Jadon Sancho, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Mason Greenwood, Conor Gallagher, Emile Smith Rowe and Yunus Musah. Such a track record would appeal to the Blues, who are keen to develop their own players and improve those youngsters in and around the first team now and in the future. Picture: Jan Kruger/Getty Images Photo: Jan Kruger
8. England Women
As an England Women's senior assistant coach under Phil Neville between 2020-21, Foster also helped lay some of the foundations that led to England's success at last summer's European Championships in this country. Picture: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images Photo: Nathan Stirk