Pompey boss switches loan sights

Portsmouth manager Steve Cotterill must rethink his options after failing to sign a mystery Barclays Premier League player on loan.

The player’s identity has been closely guarded, but Aston Villa’s Chris Herd and Stoke’s Ryan Shotton are two of the names that have been suggested.

The only information the Pompey manager has disclosed about the player is that: “[he] could play right-back, centre-back, centre-midfield, right-wing and up front.”

However, the player is now a part of his current club’s plans for the season ahead, and Cotterill is being forced to switch targets during the loan window.

“The Premier League club are going to keep him – which is a disappointment,” said the Pompey boss.

“Now we are going to have to look at things again.”

Cotterill has already brought six players to Fratton Park this summer, despite the financial difficulties he is working under. However, he believes his squad still needs strengthening.

“There is one I wanted because we can afford only one more. That would be a loan,” Cotterill said about his proposed target.

“We are trying to shop where we can shop because that’s what has to happen. We have one cake and we’re trying to get what we can out of that cake.”