Portsmouth join Bristol City in Leicester City transfer race | OneFootball

Portsmouth are eyeing another defensive signing before the end of the transfer window

Portsmouth are ready to compete with Bristol City for the signing of Leicester City’s Ben Nelson this summer.

According to The News, Pompey are eyeing a defensive signing before the market closes at the end of the week.

It was previously reported by Bristol Live that the Robins are targeting a move for the 20-year-old.

The youngster made just five appearances in the Championship last season, and has yet to feature for Steve Cooper’s side in the Premier League this year (all stats from Fbref).

The Championship clubs have until 11pm on Friday night to finalise the details of any potential move before the market closes for the rest of the calendar year.

Portsmouth’s Ben Nelson interest

It was previously reported by Andrew Moon that Portsmouth’s pursuit of Ipswich Town centre-back George Edmundson was unlikely to lead to an agreement.

John Mousinho is keen to bolster his defensive options before the window closes, with the team looking to be competitive in their first year back in the Championship since 2012.

This has led them to shortlist Nelson as a potential target, although they will face competition from Bristol City in the race to secure his loan signature.

Hayden Matthews from A-League side Sydney FC has also been targeted by Portsmouth, but it is believed that it will be difficult to get a deal over the line before Friday evening.

Multiple options are still being explored as we approach the end of the window, with no firm decision yet made on what approach to take.

Brighton forward Mark O’Mahony became the 14th arrival of the summer earlier this week, signing on loan for the campaign ahead.

It has been a busy transfer window for the club following their promotion from League One, and it could yet be a hectic last 24 hours as well.

Portsmouth’s 2024 summer transfer activity

O’Mahony is the third loan arrival of the window, with only five spots available for temporary additions in the squad.

Freddie Potts and Sam Silvera have also joined from West Ham and Middlesbrough respectively.

Pompey have made 11 permanent signings this summer, including deals for Nicolas Schmid, Elias Sorensen and Harvey Blair.

Portsmouth have earned three points from their opening three league games, drawing against Leeds United, Luton Town and Middlesbrough.

Next up for Mousinho’s side is a home game against league leaders Sunderland on Saturday in a 3pm kick-off.

Defensive signing for Portsmouth makes sense

Given Regan Poole is still recovering from an ACL injury and could be out for some time, it makes sense for Pompey to pursue adding another defender this summer.

The team’s options besides Poole include Tom McIntyre, Ryley Tower and Conor Shaughnessy, so some added competition and cover could go a long way.

The competition for Nelson with Bristol City will be difficult, especially with so little time remaining in the window.

But it would be a solid addition to the team if they can figure out a way to get it over the line before Friday night, especially given the Robins’ interest.