And they all according to Fratton legend came within varying degrees of wearing royal blue – here’s the Pompey heroes that never were...
5. Johnny Metgod
The word is Alan Ball could've got the Dutch ace when Pompey were in Division One but John Deacon wouldn't sanction the deal | JPIMedia Photo: Peter Robinson
6. Thiago Motta
Came to Pompey in 2008 on trial but a deal was never seen to fruition and the former Barcelona man went on to play for Inter Milan and PSG instead. | JPIMedia Photo: Matthew Ashton
7. Frederic Kanoute
Frederic Kanoute was linked to Pompey under Harry Redknapp but the deal couldn't get over the line | JPIMedia Photo: Sean Dempsey
8. Sergio Aguero
During his extremely short tenure as Portsmouth owner, Sulaiman Al Fahim promised to sign Spanish superstar Sergio Ageuro but unsurprisingly the move never came to fruition and he signed for Man City in 2011 | PA (Press Association) Photo: Martin Rickett