Portsmouth fans split on possible return of Charlton's Jason Pearce

The defender and captain, 31, made 28 appearances for the Addicks last season as they gained promotion to the Championship.

With Naby Sarr and Patrick Bauer seemingly manager Lee Bowyer’s preferred pairing at the back, Pompey boss Kenny Jackett feels a deal could be reached.

A move to Fratton Park would be Pearce’s third stint with the club after coming through the ranks on the south coast  in 2006 and spending the 2011/12 season in the Championship.

With financial restrictions hampering Bowyer’s ability in the transfer market, a sale of a key figure is unlikely unless the player forces a move or Bowyer feels he can use any funds raised to re-invest in the squad.

Pompey Re-union

Portsmouth highly rated centre back Matt Clarke is expected to leave this summer and a re-union with a star performer from their 2011/12 season would go someway to filling the void.

Pearce made 44 appearances on the south coast before moving to Leeds after one season and admitted in a 2016 interview with The News he would be keen to play for his hometown club again.

"I am hopeful I will get the opportunity to play for Portsmouth again," he said.

"I would love to come back with the club on a good footing and heading in the right direction – not going down.

"When it is your hometown club and one you hold very close to your heart, that never changes.”

Split-fans

Portsmouth fans were split with the possible return of Pearce:

Ollie Roberts: Yes yes yes! I love Pearce so much!

Stephen Ferguson: Quality player with bags of experience, but his best years might just be behind him.

Joey Barrett: Would welcome this all day long.

Paul Broughton: Real Quality player bring him back.

James Reynolds: No thank you Jason.