Pompey want a new defensive midfielder before the transfer window closes

Pompey’s ongoing search for a defensive midfielder is set to take them to Portugal.

According to reports, the Blues view Casa Pia’s Iyad Mohamed as a viable transfer target for the important role.

So much so that French journalist and commentator Nordine L’Instant (@nordinealisaid) is claiming the 25-year-old is set to sign for the Fratton Park side.

Pompey have endured difficulties recruiting a defensive midfielder this summer, with deals for Gibson Yah and Jesper Ceesay falling through.

Last week a move for Wolves midfielder Boubacar Troure was touted, with the Mali international told he was free to leave Molineux.

Now Mohamed has emerged as a potential solution with less than a week remaining of the transfer window.

The French-born player has been operating in the Portuguese top flight for the past two seasons, helping the Lisbon-based side to ninth and 16th-place finishes.

The Comoros international has featured 35 times for the club in that period, but has not been part of manager Filipe Coelho’s plans for Casa’s first three games of the season as he’s been forced to watch on from the stands.

As well as Casa Pia, the Dunkirk-born midfielder has played for Auxure, Caen, Le Mans, and Pau FC.

Mohamed is already into the final 12 months of his Estádio Pina Manique contract.

He’s valued at €369k by Flashscore.co.uk.