Portsmouth are reportedly looking to offload centre-back Paul Downing during the current January transfer window as Kenny Jackett attempts to shape his squad for the second half of the season.

As reported by Portsmouth.co.uk, Pompey are hoping to reinvest in the centre-back area, and they see Downing departing either on loan or on a permanent transfer as the way to go about their business to bring in a new defender.

Jackett and Portsmouth are harbouring hopes of promotion this season, and with a lack of cover in the heart of defence at present, a new centre-back appears vital if the League One club are going to achieve promotion this season.

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Downing has made 14 appearances for Pompey this season, as the 28-year-old had struggled for the match minutes within the league since signing from Doncaster Rovers last summer.

Jackett's current preferred partnership at centre-back consists of Christian Burgess and loanee Sean Raggett, who have struck up a good rapport in recent times, and Downing has seen himself slip down the pecking order as a result.

The Verdict

Downing has failed to impress manager Jackett since the summer, and the experienced manager didn't take long to drop Downing from the starting 11 as he looked to find the formula for his two centre-backs.

Jackett has a clear idea on how his squad looks overall, and with Downing not in his plans going forward for the rest of the season at least, then the centre-back will be wanting to get away from the club and ensure that he has regular first-team football elsewhere during the summer.