Blues can do it, says Pring

KENNY JACKETT admits he doesn’t see Pompey’s January transfer business accelerating until the latter stages of the window.

The Blues need a new left-back after Cam Pring returned to Bristol City, with Charlie Daniels and Steve Seddon both targets.

Meanwhile, Jackett covets a centre-midfielder to provide support to key-duo Tom Naylor and Andy Cannon.

However, reinforcements have yet to arrive despite the window being open for two weeks.

The introduction of nine substitutes in the Championship has meant players who the Blues would usually target are currently being kept at their clubs.

What’s more, a congested fixture list – coupled with the risk of potential coronavirus outbreaks – means there’s more reluctance to allow fringe players to depart.

That’s why Jackett believes the market is currently

‘slow’ and doesn’t see things picking up for another week.

The Pompey boss said: ‘It is slow at the moment. Players aren't being released by clubs.

‘The five from nine substitutions in the Championship and the buildup of games teams can see in the next few months with the possibility of injuries and Covid can affect squads.

‘I think it's been quite slow and we will need another specialist left-back. After that, we have one space available unless anyone else goes out.

‘I think things will change and accelerate from January 20-23 going into the last week of the transfer window.

‘We don't want to bring in players just for the sake of it. We need a left-back but aren't going to bring in players just for the sake of it.

‘If we can improve then fine, that's where we want to go.’