Portsmouth are close to signing a loan deal for Sunderland defender Aji Alese The news.
Portsmouth will bemoan the luck they have had with defensive injuries since returning to the Championship. Pompey were in a difficult situation last season and made a short-term move Alexander Milosevic amid a crisis at the back.
Unfortunately, they find themselves in the same position again. Conor Shaughnessy’s injury isn’t too bad but he is still six weeks away and joins Josh Knight and Hayden Matthews in the treatment room, while Regan Poole has made matchday selections despite a groin problem.
It has made a centre-back signing essential, and the Fratton Park team are ready to get their man. According to The newsA deal is close to sign Sunderland’s Aji Alese on loan.
The 25-year-old has not been back from a broken leg for long, but is fully fit again after the U21 match. Portsmouth are making progress on the deal and hope to get Alese through the door quickly.
Aji Alese is essential with just one Portsmouth fit at center back
Portsmouth FC News
Mousinho is fortunate to have a number of versatile defenders who can act as centre-backs when called upon. Full-back Zak Swanson played a central role in the derby day draw with Southampton, while Connor Ogilvie, Jordan Williams and Marlon Pack have also featured there previously.
Currently, Ibane Bowat is the only central defender in Pompey’s training. As previously mentioned, Poole has been on the bench to make up the numbers but has not been fit to train.
It makes Alese’s signing a much-needed signing at Fratton Park. His presence in the squad will be a big boost and he also adds to their versatility.
The man from Sunderland has played as a left back for much of his career. It means he can also serve as cover for Ogilvie, perhaps opening the door for the sought-after Jacob Farrell to be loaned out.
Aji Alese’s career stats by position
| Position | Games | Goals | Assists |
| Central defender | 89 | 4 | 3 |
| Left back | 38 | 1 | 3 |
Will Portsmouth do anything else during this transfer window?
The speculation about possible additions certainly hasn’t stopped with Alese. Mousinho has even hinted that two centre-backs could be signed given their injury situation.
An interesting player further down the pitch is midfielder Svante Ingelsson. Portsmouth are said to have seen a bid for the man from Sheffield Wednesday, who is also interested by Millwall.
In terms of departure, Callum Lang remains interesting for Preston North End. It is hoped the striker can stay put despite turning down their summer bids for his services.
And as previously mentioned, a loan departure for left back Farrell is a possibility. He has admirers in the EFL, north of the Scottish border, in his native Australia and from Danish clubs.
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