Brighton defender Alex Cochrane is a target for League One side Portsmouth, who want to take him on loan for the 2020/21 season.

The News reported that Pompey have been keeping tabs on the 20-year-old and are keen to bring him to Fratton Park, where Kenny Jackett currently has a sparsity of left-backs.

As per Brighton & Hove Independent, the young defender is currently contracted to the Seagulls until 2021 and has the option of extending that deal by a further 12 months.

Cochrane featured regularly for Brighton's under-23 side during the most recent Premier League 2 campaign, scoring a couple of times in his 16 appearances, and he was given a senior debut by Graham Potter in a Carabao Cup tie against Aston Villa last September.

While primarily a left-back, the 20-year-old can also play on the left-hand side of midfield and in the centre of the park, as well as occasionally lining out at right-back, a versatility which could make him a very useful squad option for managers. [via TransferMarkt]

He also earned a couple of caps for England's under-20 side last November, coming on as a substitute against Portugal before starting in a win over Iceland, as per Brighton & Hove Independent.

Dan Burn has been Potter's first choice at left-back for the majority of this season, with Bernardo as another option in that role. Adam Webster and Martin Montoya could also fill in at left-back if needed, although it is not a position in which Brighton are top-heavy with natural fits.

A spell on loan to a Football League club such as Portsmouth, who were in the League One play-offs, should be of benefit to Cochrane in terms of getting regular senior game-time under his belt. Given that Pompey appear to be light at left-back, that is a club where the 20-year-old would seem to have a good chance of playing regularly.

Should he make that move and should it go well, Potter could then consider blooding him into the first team setup at the Amex Stadium, just as he has done with Tariq Lamptey at right-back in recent weeks.

Brighton fans, do you think Cochrane will establish himself at the Amex in the future? Comment below with your views!