Portsmouth are reportedly keen on signing Stoke City defender Harry Souttar ahead of the new season according to The Portsmouth News. 

Souttar spent last year's campaign on loan with League One side Fleetwood Town, and caught the eye with a number of impressive performances.

The central defender made 41 appearances in total for the Fishermen, as they finished sixth in the third-tier standings, before being beaten by Wycombe Wanderers in their play-off semi-final.

It remains to be seen as to whether Stoke City will be willing to loan him out for another season though, as it appears as though his strong performances haven't gone unnoticed with the Championship side.

The Potters finished 15th in the second-tier standings last term, and could be looking at using him in their squad ahead of the 2020/21 campaign.

Portsmouth are reportedly keen on signing Souttar though, as Kenny Jackett looks to add to his squad before the new season gets under way this weekend.

Pompey finished fifth in the League One table last season, and were beaten by Oxford United in their play-off semi-final, so they'll be eager to win a timely promotion back into the Championship this term.

Jackett's side take on Shrewsbury Town in the opening match of the 2020/21 season at Fratton Park, in what could be a tricky test for Pompey on Saturday.

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The Verdict: 

This would be an excellent signing for Portsmouth.

Souttar really impressed me with a number of strong performances whilst on loan with Fleetwood Town last season in League One.

Pompey could certainly benefit from signing another central defender before the new season starts, as they still need a player to fill the void left by Christian Burgess.

But it'll be interesting to see whether Stoke are willing to send him out on loan ahead of the new league campaign.