Portsmouth manager Danny Cowley is seeking a right-sided central defender this January, as per a report from Portsmouth-based outlet The News. 

Pompey, who have played with a solid back four for the majority of the campaign, have recently switched to a formation involving three centre-backs.

It appears that if Portsmouth are to continue operating in this fashion, then a right-sided centre-back will need to walk through the doors at Fratton Park this month.

Portsmouth started the unbeaten run they currently find themselves on with a back four, picking up 10 points in four games during the process.

Cowley's side have managed to continue that run since switching to three central defenders, also accumulating 10 points, with the only difference being that they have not conceded since the change.

The verdict 

Whilst there appears to be no centre-backs linked with a move to Fratton Park as of yet, it does not mean that they have not been working on deals for players that fit the description.

Pompey are continuing on the upward trajectory that they ended the year on, and whilst they are yet to break into the top-six again, they are a side that the current play-off occupiers will be increasingly worried about.

Portsmouth have been operating at the top end of League One for a while now and will be hoping to secure promotion under Cowley's stewardship.

If they are able to strengthen this month and fill the gaps they have outlined, then they will certainly be confident that they can achieve that objective.