Portsmouth FC hit stumbling block in transfer chase | OneFootball

Portsmouth have hit a stumbling block in their bid to sign Hayden Matthews.

Portsmouth have been hit back for a third time in their bid to sign Sydney FC defender Hayden Matthews before the transfer deadline on Friday.

This is according to Football Insider's Wayne Veysey, who believes that Pompey have made multiple attempts to sign the 20-year-old.

Standing at 6ft 3, the defender has made 18 appearances to date for Sydney, and became a first-team regular at the end of last season.

Having previously played in their reserve side, a move to England could be the next big step in Matthews' career, as he looks to put himself on the map.

While the A-League is of an improving standard, it is subpar in comparison to the second tier of English football, so the defender will surely be seeking a move.

Clearly, the Sky Blues don't have aspirations of allowing him to leave, but if Portsmouth can make the right bid, then it will be hard for the Australian club to turn down.

Hayden Matthews to Portsmouth latest

As stated above, Pompey have been knocked back on a third occasion after seeing their bid rejected by Sydney.

Believed to be one of their top targets before the window slams shut, the value of the fee offered was said to be around the £900,000 mark.

However, with Sydney holding firm and the player's contract running until 2027, the South Coast club will have to return with an improved offer once again.

What complicates this deal further is the limited time remaining in the window. Additionally, if Matthews is still in Australia, he will need to fly to England to undergo a medical and finalise the paperwork, which imposes a significant time constraint.

Whether this will be possible remains to be seen, but if not, Pompey will have to turn their focus elsewhere in their bid to add a new addition in central defence.

Portsmouth's defensive issues

Despite remaining unbeaten so far this season, John Mousinho still has concerns about his defence. While Conor Shaughnessy, Ryley Towler, and Zak Swanson have performed acceptably, the injuries to Regan Poole and Tom McIntyre continue to be a significant worry.

In this instance, it is no surprise then to see Pompey targeting a new addition at centre back.

At 20-years-old, it is unlikely that Matthews would arrive at Fratton Park as a first-team starter, but with persistent fitness problems at the back, he could be thrown into action sooner rather than later.

If they decide to look elsewhere, an experienced Championship player may be of more use as Portsmouth don't want to risk conceding truckloads of goals.

But, with that fee now toppling £1 million, Mousinho and the Pompey hierarchy will have to decipher whether they see Matthews as worthy of that price tag.