The inside track on how Portsmouth won the race for outstanding Chelsea and England starlet Ryan Kavuma-McQueen

Portsmouth secured a season-long loan deal for 17-year-old Chelsea forward Ryan Kavuma-McQueen following extensive discussions that began in mid-April. Pompey head of recruitment Brad Wall visited Chelsea's Cobham training ground to pitch the move on the same day Portsmouth secured their Championship status against Coventry City. After tracking the England Under-18 international across Chelsea's youth ranks, an agreement was finalized following the forward's pre-season tour with Chelsea.

Portsmouth sporting director Rich Hughes praised Kavuma-McQueen's maturity and mindset, noting how smoothly the teenager has handled the physical demands of the Championship. Kavuma-McQueen has already scored once in nine appearances for Portsmouth, including netting against Lincoln City in August.