A fresh update on Pompey’s reported pursuit of Liverpool left-back Luke Chambers.
Liverpool are set to hand Pompey a huge transfer blow ahead of the window’s climax on Tuesday.
The Reds have reportedly decided to keep left-back Luke Chambers at Anfield, despite apparent loan interest from Fratton Park.
Transfer guru Alan Nixon has revealed the Premier League outfit want the 22-year-old to remain on Merseyside for at least the first half of the campaign to bolster Andoni Iraola’s defensive ranks.
Luke Chambers.placeholder image
Luke Chambers. | AFP via Getty Images
The report states Liverpool will now not sanction a departure for the England youth international this summer in a late-window blow to Pompey.
Pompey handed blow in pursuit of Liverpool left-back
John Mousinho is looking to strengthen his left-back department before Tuesday’s deadline amid an ongoing crisis at PO4.
Connor Ogilvie (knee) and Jacob Farrell (groin) missed the entirety of pre-season along with the opening four matches of the campaign due to injury.
This has forced Zak Swanson to fill the void at left-back in the opening month of the season, with the duo still a distance away from a return.
Indeed, Chambers is reportedly on the radar of the football operations at Fratton Park, with the Blues said to be keen on a loan switch before the window closes.
The left-sided defender impressed in pre-season under Iraola, featuring in five of the Reds six friendlies during their tour of the United States.
However, the former Charlton Athletic and Wigan Athletic loanee has yet to be named in any of Liverpool’s Premier League matchday squads so far and is currently third-choice left-back in the north west, behind Milos Kerkez and Kostas Tsimikas.
After being left out of Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest, Chambers featured in the Reds’ U21’s Premier League 2 triumph over Leeds United on Sunday.
Despite his position in Iraola’s ranks, Liverpool are now expected to keep hold of the young defender despite reported interest from Pompey and Blackburn Rovers.
Dive into the inside track on all things Pompey when you subscribe to our premium newsletter with Neil Allen and Jordan Cross
Pompey’s interest in Rhys Norrington-Davies
Rhys Norrington-Davies.placeholder image
Rhys Norrington-Davies. | Getty Images
The Blues are also looking at Sheffield United’s Rhys Norrington-Davies to solve Mousinho’s left-back issues in the remaining hours of the transfer window.
It is understood the Blues do have an interest in the 27-year-old and have made enquiries regarding his availability this summer.
Chris Wilder confirmed last week the Blades had received calls from Fratton Park over the Wales international over a potential loan deal.
However, the head coach later insisted that Sheffield United would not sanction a departure for Norrington-Davies before the window’s climax after working his way back into Wilder’s plans.
The Bramall Lane academy graduate came off the bench in the Blades’ 2-2 draw against Cardiff City on the weekend, with the substitute appearance representing his third outing of the season so far.
A new left-back remains on Mousinho’s shopping list before Tuesday’s transfer deadline, while a versatile attacker is also wanted before the market slams shut.