Bentley linked with Pompey

Portsmouth could be on the trail of Arsenal’s transfer-listed forward David Bentley as Alain Perrin’s side look bounce back from their disappointing start to the season.

Pompey, desperate to inject more punch into their side after Saturday’s opening 2-0 home defeat at home to Tottenham, are still three players short of completing their squad according to manager Perrin.

Perrin has lost out to Auxerre in a battle to sign France striker Peguy Luyindula on loan for the season from Marseille.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, meanwhile, has accepted a transfer request from Bentley, who is concerned about his prospects of first-team football at Highbury.

The 20-year-old, who can play on the flanks or as a withdrawn striker, is down to seventh choice in those positions at Arsenal behind Robert Pires, Jose Antonio Reyes, Alexander Hleb, Freddie Ljungberg, Robin van Persie and Dennis Bergkamp.

It is understood Pompey’s preferred option is to sign Bentley on loan for a season with a view to a permanent deal but the Peterborough-born player could be looking for a permanent move after starring on loan for Norwich last season.

Meanwhile, Pompey boss Perrin was at the club’s Eastleigh training ground today despite telling reporters on Saturday he was going to watch international football this week in the hunt for more new signings.

Perrin’s squad of seven new signings were unimpressive in the 2-0 defeat by Spurs and he has promised they will play better against West Brom at The Hawthorns on Saturday.

But he could still run the rule over several transfer targets in his native France tomorrow when the host country play Ivory Coast in a friendly.