Leeds have denied Jamie Ashdown the chance to return to Pompey on loan.
The 31-year-old keeper, who left Fratton Park in the summer after eight years at the club, was the Blues’ number one loan target to replace Mikkel Andersen when the Dane’s stay ends after Tuesday night’s home clash with Leyton Orient.
But after enquiring about Ashdown – who is currently deputy to Paddy Kenny at Elland Road – Pompey were knocked back by Leeds boss Neil Warnock and must now turn their attentions elsewhere.
Andersen’s imminent departure will leave caretaker boss Guy Whittingham with Simon Eastwood as his only senior goalkeeper at the club.
But while Whittingham rates the 23-year-old highly, he is keen to bring in someone to challenge him for the number-one berth.
He said: ‘We’ve checked on a few who we thought might be available. Simon was unlucky to get dropped last week. It was something we discussed with the goalkeeping coach but we know he is here for a while.
‘It’s something we can work on and we know Easty will be a good goalkeeper. But it’s all about having competition for places.’
Whittingham is also weighing up his options, with Carl Dickinson and Scott Allan’s loan spells ending after next Saturday’s trip to Coventry.
Whittingham said: ‘Scott Allan is West Brom’s player.
‘He’s a good player but I somehow don’t think he will be staying. We’ve had some discussions on Carl and we’re looking at our options.’