If some felt Pompey's start to their summer of transfer business was a little on the slow side, they will surely feel the Blues have caught up with and overtaken some of their rivals now.

Monday, and the first day back at training, brought news of a fifth new face through the door - in the shape of winger Sammy Silvera, on a season-long loan deal from Middlesbrough.

The 23-year-old Australia international made 42 appearances for Boro in the Championship side last season.

Pompey manager John Mousinho told the club website: 'This is a deal that we’re delighted to get over the line and we're grateful to Middlesbrough for loaning Sammy to us.

'We’ve brought in a powerful and direct winger with Championship experience, who can play on both sides of the pitch and is technically very strong. He’s an exciting player and is capable of making things happen in the final third to get the crowd on their feet.'

It comes a few days after keeper Jordan Archer signed. The 31-year-old –capped once by Scotland – left Queens Park Rangers at the end of last season.

Mousinho said: “Jordan brings a wealth of experience and knows what it takes to compete at this level of the game. I had the pleasure of playing alongside him a few years ago when he came to Oxford for a brief spell.'

Jordan Williams, Josh Murphy and Reuben Swann have also joined - and Blues fans will probably feel that just as good as a new signing is Marlon Pack, who signed a two-year contract last year after perhaps the two parties took a little longer than most thought likely to seal the skipper's Fratton stay.

Pack made 39 appearances last term and Mousinho told the club media: 'It was so important for us to get this deal done, with everything that Marlon’s done at this football club since returning a couple of years ago. He lifted the League One trophy as captain and produced some strong performances in what was such a successful season for us.

'Marlon is a vital part of what we’re trying to achieve moving forward in the Championship and so we’re delighted that he’s staying at the club.'

Photo: Action Images

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