Portsmouth have joined the race for Tom Lockyer.
The Portsmouth News report that Pompey are keen on the defender, who left boyhood club Bristol Rovers this month after turning down a new contract.
Lockyer came through the youth ranks at the Gas but has decided to leave in order to test himself at a higher level and advance his fledgling Wales career.
Pompey are hopeful that the influence of former Rovers star Lee Brown can help them land the 24-year-old, with the two having had a close relationship at the Memorial Stadium.
Indeed, Brown actually messaged Lockyer after Rovers secured their safety with a goalless draw against Fleetwood Town, asking him to do Pompey a favour against Barnsley in the race for promotion.
Yet they will face plenty of competition for Lockyer's signature, with Bristol Live revealing yesterday that Championship side Nottingham Forest were interested in signing him.
Pompey's hopes of Championship football ended last week after they were knocked out of the play-off semi-final by Sunderland.
Darrell Clarke recruits two for Walsall in Bristol Rovers reunion
Yet they are banking that the influence of Brown, who moved to Fratton Park last summer and enjoyed a fine debut season there, making 51 appearances, may help to sway Lockyer's decision.
The 24-year-old's last visit to Fratton Park was a controversial one after he sustained a facial injury following a clash with James Vaughan.
Rovers were incensed that Vaughan escaped punishment for the clash, and Lockyer admitted he was surprised that the FA decided against taking any action over the incident.
