Portsmouth are poised to re-sign Ricardo Rocha, while boss Steve Cotterill is looking to add another couple of players on loan. The Portuguese defender was offered a new contract over the summer but it was unclear whether he would accept following Pompey's relegation from the Premier League.

Cotterill also spoke with Rocha to make sure the 31-year-old retained a desire to play at Fratton Park.

"It's been a game of bluff a bit but one we've ended up winning," he told The News.

"At the end of the day, by saying 'don't come' I thought it might work out in the long run. Now he has come to us.

"Maybe his options have narrowed. But I had to see him, look him in the eye and see he wants to play for this club."

The transfer window closed on Tuesday but Pompey will be able to make emergency loan signings from next week.

Cotterill said: "We need to get more players across the line and make us stronger. Players don't like competition but it's good for them.

"We've not had that but we're starting to get there a bit.

"There's a couple we are talking to. We need to get more players across the line to make us stronger.

"We've not had a lot of options but we've been trying to address a lot of areas.

"It's been hard but I do feel there is a chink of light and we are starting to move forward a bit."