Portsmouth will be hoping they can put together a positive run of results at the earliest of opportunities, as they head towards the festive period. 

Kenny Jackett's side are currently sat fourth in the League One table, and are six points adrift of league-leaders Hull City after their opening 16 matches of this year's campaign.

Pompey narrowly missed out on promotion into the Championship last term, after being beaten by Oxford United in their play-off semi-final on penalties.

After an inconsistent start to the 2020/21 season, Pompey are finding much-needed form heading towards a crucial, and potentially season-defining period of this year's league campaign.

But with a hectic fixture schedule coming their way, Jackett could be tempted to dip into the free-agent mark in search of adding depth to his first-team squad.

We take a look at TWO free-agents who Portsmouth could realistically sign to strengthen their side heading towards the January transfer window.

Find out who they are, below....

George Thorne 

Thorne most recently played for Oxford United, but left the club at the end of the 2019/20 season.

He struggled for consistent game time with the U's, and it didn't come as a surprise to see him leave the club when he did, after they were beaten by Wycombe Wanderers in their play-off final at Wembley.

Thorne has previously been on the books with Derby County though, and was a regular in the Rams team before suffering a serious knee injury, which kept him out of action for nine months.

He'll be eager to make a name for himself with a new club at the earliest of opportunities, and if he can stay fit, then he could be a smart signing by Portsmouth if they were to register their interest in his services.

Competition for places in the centre of midfield is never a bad dilemma to have as a manager, and Thorne would certainly fancy his chances of forcing his way into the starting XI if he signed for the promotion-chasing League One side.

Jem Karacan 

Karacan is another midfielder that Portsmouth could target heading towards the New Year.

The Turkish midfielder made a name for himself with Reading, and even earned a move to Galatasaray at one stage of his career.

However, two serious knee injuries called time on Karacan's spell with the Royals, and he has since played for the likes of Millwall (pictured) and Bolton Wanderers.

The 31-year-old has been a free-agent for over a year now, but has previously been training with Championship side Wycombe Wanderers, although it remains to be seen as to where his future lies at this moment in time.

His experience and energy in midfield could certainly benefit Portsmouth, as they look to win a timely promotion back into the Championship.