Portsmouth are closing in on a deal to bring Sunderland centre-back Aji Alese to Fratton Park as they look to ease mounting defensive concerns.
The Blues are pushing to add experience at the back before the weekend, with a temporary move emerging as the preferred route.
According to The News, Pompey are advancing talks over a loan for the former West Ham United defender, who is back available after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The 25-year-old has recently returned to action at under-21 level following a broken leg and is now building match fitness.
Alese has Championship know-how, having featured regularly since joining Sunderland in 2022, and his versatility is seen as a major plus.
Pompey boss John Mousinho has been keen to act quickly amid injuries in central defence, with hopes a deal can be wrapped up imminently as the window tightens.
