League One side Portsmouth are closing in on the loan signing of Chelsea midfielder Tino Anjorin, reports The News.
John Mousinho is looking to bolster his squad following the absences of Tom Lowery, who is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after requiring surgery on a knee injury, and Kusini Yengi, whose bright start to life in the third tier has been halted by an ankle injury that will keep him out until October.
Pompey are back in for the long-term target, having previously cooled interest after they were left waiting to reach an agreement, but the Blues are now confident a season-long loan deal can be tied up for the 21-year-old before Friday’s deadline.
In their frustration over waiting for a deal to be completed, Portsmouth turned to signing Alex Roberston from Manchester City, with the Australian international making six appearances for the Hampshire-based side this season.
However, it now appears Mousinho will delve into the loan market again as Anjorin’s potential switch to FC Volendam from Chelsea was ceased due to international loan stipulations.
Under new FIFA rules, clubs are only allowed to have seven over-21 players out internationally, with Kepa Arrizabalaga and Hakim Ziyech contributing to the prevention of the former England U20 international from joining the Dutch side.
Instead, the Premier League giants are looking for English suitors, with the two-time FA Cup winners back leading the interest.
Their hopes of luring the youngster to Fratton Park may be further boosted with his link to Portsmouth coach Jon Harley, who previously worked with Anjorin in Chelsea’s Academy.
Fellow League One competitors Reading had previously been linked with the Poole-born midfielder, yet there is growing belief he’ll be spending his time on the South Coast this season.
Writer’s View
Anjorin has struggled for fitness in recent seasons, having only been able to make 15 league appearances across two loan spells in the Championship for Huddersfield, with a period of time in Russia at Lokomotiv Moscow also curtailed by injury.
However, if he has now overcome those issues, there is certainly a hungry and talented prospect that is set to arrive through the doors at Fratton Park, who could really boost their promotion credentials.
It has been a busy window down on the South Coast, with the imminent arrival of the 21-year-old expected to be Pompey’s 14th and final signing this summer.
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