Portsmouth are reportedly still very keen on bringing in free agent centre-back Paul Downing who is set to leave Blackburn Rovers at the start of July, according to journalist Andrew Moon.

Kenny Jackett is eager to bring in more defensive options with star man Matt Clarke closing in on a move to Brighton and Hove Albion after a fee of just under £4million was agreed.

Downing, 27, made just three Championship appearances for Tony Mowbray's side last season before being shipped out on loan to Doncaster Rovers in January.

Under Grant McCann's stewardship he became a regular for Donny, playing in all 18 matches after his arrival and every minute of their thrilling play-off tussle with Charlton.

Portsmouth will be desperate to strengthen this summer having come close to winning promotion back to the Championship last season.

Jackett's side spent a large part of the season in the automatic promotion spots but fell away in 2019 before being narrowly beaten by Sunderland in the play-off semi-finals.

According to Football Insider they have also recently had an enquiry about Stoke City centre-back Harry Souttar roundly rejected, showing where Jackett feels they are most vulnerable.

The verdict

I think this would be a very shrewd signing.

Downing has struggled for game time at Blackburn but seriously proved himself as a top League One defender with Doncaster last season.

With Matt Clarke leaving, Pompey really need somebody who can slot into the starting XI straight away and play a leading role and Downing is the perfect man for the task.

The fact he will arrive for nothing is an even bigger bonus, allowing them to strengthen further in other positions.