After a hugely impressive season thus far, Portsmouth defender Matt Clarke is a man in demand as we enter the closing stages of the campaign.

The 22-year-old, who signed for Pompey from Ipswich Town in 2016, has made a total of 156 appearances for the Blues, and has become of the best defenders in the lower leagues over the last few years.

The central defender has been a regular for Kenny Jackett's men this season, and has helped guide the South Coast club to within touching distance of the League One automatic promotion spots, as well as a Checkatrade Trophy final victory at Wembley.

But the Blues will undoubtedly face a huge task of keeping Clarke on their books beyond this season if they do not get promoted, with reports claiming that Stoke City and Leeds United are both interested in landing the highly-rated defender.

Here, we take a look at three replacements Pompey should be considering if Clarke departs Fratton Park in the summer.

Ryan Tafazolli

Tafazolli could be the perfect replacement for Clarke at Portsmouth - he is a left-sided centre-half who has proved to be a fantastic player at this level.

The Peterborough United centre-half is set to leave the club in the summer, and could be a very impressive signing for Pompey at a bargain price.

George Edmundson

Edmundson is one of the best young defenders in League Two who is fully deserving of a step-up to the league above.

The 21-year old has hugely impressed for Oldham Athletic this term, and was the subject of interest from the likes of Wigan Athletic and Preston North End in January.

Scunthorpe United saw a £200,000 bid rejected for the youngster, however Pompey could definitely lure him away from Boundary Park.

Krystian Pearce

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pearce has been a rock at the back for Mansfield Town this season, guiding the Stags to within touching distance of the automatic promotion spots in League Two.

The 29-year old, who was named in the League Two Team of the Year last week, may be slightly older than Clarke, but he is a solid centre-half who can easily make the step-up.