Portsmouth are looking to add some more new faces to their ranks before the end of the summer transfer window and according to reporter David Lynch, Portsmouth are interested in emerging Liverpool talent Harvey Blair.
Pompey and their fellow EFL sides have until 11pm on August 30th to get deals over the line. There have been several additions at Fratton Park but more depth is being sought as they look to consolidate a place back in the Championship.
Permanent and loan deals could be in the offing, and rumours of a new target in Hampshire have emerged.
Writing on his Substack, reporter David Lynch has claimed that Portsmouth are among the clubs interested in Liverpool prospect Harvey Blair. The 20-year-old has been in and around Arne Slot’s first-team over the summer but with the season now underway, he could head elsewhere for minutes.
Blair may well see a permanent move away from Anfield sanctioned too. Lynch states he may be allowed to move for good if the right offer comes in, though a loan is also a possibility.
It is unknown who the other sides keen on Blair are, but Portsmouth could be among those offering him a route away from Merseyside before the month’s end.
Blair has only made one competitive appearance for the Liverpool first-team with the vast majority of the game time in his career to date coming in youth football.
However, the rumoured Portsmouth target’s presence in the senior picture over the summer suggests that he is on his way to making a breakthrough at a first-team level.
A move away from Anfield may well provide the clearest path for him to do so though. The wide ranks at Liverpool are stacked with superstars, so there’s not much of a chance for an emerging youngster to come in and stake a claim.
Having impressed at U18 and U21 level, the time has come for him to get a chance in the game. Whether it comes away from Liverpool permanently or just on loan, it seems likely that the opportunity comes away from the Premier League giants.
Pompey’s previous position
Interestingly, when Portsmouth were linked last summer, it was said that Blair was being considered as a potential long-term target to return for in the future when deemed ready for a step up to the first-team game.
Now, the rumoured interest has emerged again, and having tasted action in the Liverpool side over the summer, perhaps now Blair is ready to rise from academy football.
Long-term admirers Pompey may well be prompted to move now, especially with a loan or permanent move possible.
The recruitment team at Fratton Park will be sure to carefully weigh up their options though as they look to make some late additions to Mousinho’s squad.