Former Portsmouth midfielder and pundit David Norris has admitted that he hopes his ex-club can secure the signing of Millwall's Ben Thompson. 

Thompson, who spent the first half of the 2018/19 season with Portsmouth, saw his game time decrease last season, and as he approaches the final year of his contract, it seems that his future is becoming less certain.

Links between Pompey and the 25-year-old have once again been made during this transfer window, with Danny Cowley highlighting in an interview with The News how good of a player, but he did not delve much deeper into any further details.

Norris, who made 40 appearances for the Hampshire club ten years ago, spoke to FootballFanCast about the qualities the midfielder possesses and how we would love for Portsmouth to make their move: “Hopefully, with the other lad coming in (Shaun Williams), hopefully with the connection. On paper, it seems like it could, so hopefully that one would work.”

The verdict

Thompson was an instant hit at Fratton Park and his experience in the Championship has only developed him further.

The first half of the 2018/19 season was an exciting time for Pompey fans as they raced to the summit of the third tier, however, Thompson's recall coincided with inconsistent form as the season progressed.

Not only does Thompson have the technical ability that is desired in League One, but he is a fighter who will battle to retain possession and he is not afraid to get stuck in and help his team play with the football at their feet.

He was a standout performer during his time at Pompey and would head into third-tier again with confidence as a result. Portsmouth are ambitious and that makes them an ideal League One destination, should Thompson drop a level.

However, if Thompson is allowed to leave this summer, it would be surprising if no other Championship team tries their luck.