Danny Cowley has seen his engine-room options diminish this month following Miguel Azeez’s return to parent club Arsenal following an unsuccessful loan spell.
And with Tunnicliffe now set for a further extended spell on the sidelines, plus the need to tread carefully with Louis Thompson, there appears a need to strengthen a department that looked well stock at the end of 2021.
That has already saw some Blues supporters demand a move for Ben Thompson.
But who else could Pompey move for if head coach Danny Cowley is given the go-ahead to add to the four new arrivals he’s already secured this month?
Click through the list of players who may be poised to leave in the remaining days of the January transfer window.
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9. Reece Brown - Huddersfield
Brown played under Cowley at Huddersfiel, but hasn't made any appearances for the Terriers this season. Enjoyed a loan spell at Peterborough last season -- proving his ability in the third tier. Picture: George Wood/Getty Images Photo: George Wood
10. Martin Payero - Middlesbrough
The 23-year-old has made only 10 Championship appearances this term and could be available due to Miley McGree's arrival at Riverside. Picture: Nigel Roddis/Getty Images Photo: Nigel Roddis
11. Nathaniel Chalobah -Fulham
Nathaniel Chalobah has made only nine appearances this season after his move from Watford. Meaning he could seek regular game time during the second half of the season. Picture: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images Photo: Nathan Stirk
12. Dylan Stephenson - Newcastle
Like the other youth-team players on this list, Stephenson has enjoyed a strong season so far. The versatile midfielder who can play in attack has scored nine goals in the Premier League 2 Division Two. Picture: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images Photo: Laurence Griffiths