And they all according to Fratton legend came within varying degrees of wearing royal blue – here’s the Pompey heroes that never were...
17. Claudio Gentile
Brutal Italian defender would've fitted right in with Bally's Gremlins but the deal in the 80s was never completed | Other 3rd Party Photo: Peter Robinson
18. Edin Dzeko
Edin Dzeko was another superstar targeted by Tony Adams during his brief Pompey spell but the move didn't materialise. | PA (Press Association) Photo: Rui Vieira
19. Denilson
Pompey handed Brazilian winger Denilson a trial in 2006. However the one-time world's most expensive player, when he signed for Real Betis for £21.5m, couldn't agree a deal with the club | JPIMedia Photo: RICARDO MAZALAN
20. Michael Carrick
Had a medical at Pompey but Mandaric haggled over the £2.5m fee. Carrick eventually went to Spurs and on to Manchester United for £18.6m | JPIMedia Photo: Dave Thompson