Portsmouth manager Michael Appleton unsure of transfer funds

Appleton's side are on a four-match unbeaten run

Portsmouth manager Michael Appleton says he is unsure if he will be able to bring any new faces to Fratton Park during the January transfer window.

Pompey are searching for new owners meaning Appleton's hands are tied in terms of available finances.

"I always said that I don't mind getting a Christmas present as long as I get one in January," Appleton told BBC Radio Solent.

"Hopefully we will get a new owner by the end of the month."

Speaking after Monday's 2-0 win against Watford, Appleton added: "We don't want to get left behind by the teams around us.

"It will be disheartening if the teams around us go out and start buying players and getting loans and we get stuck where we are."

Pompey have been searching for new backers after joint-owner Vladimir Antonov resigned and parent company Convers Sports Initiatives entered administration.

Appleton has been reliant on loan signings since he arrived at Fratton Park and another player - Joe Mattock - returned to his parent club this week.

However, Appleton says he hopes Mattock will be back.

"I hope that's not the last time we've seen Joe Mattock in a Portsmouth shirt," he said.

"I've been speaking to West Brom over the last week or so about extending the loan deal.

"We have an FA Cup game next so that gives us some time but we will try and get him back for the West Ham game and make that happen."