DENVER HUME is set to join Portsmouth this week, with Lee Johnson admitting he left the full-back out of his squad for today’s game at the Stadium of Light because he ‘did not want to put him in an awkward position’.

Hume has held talks with Pompey boss Danny Cowley in the last week ahead of an anticipated move to Fratton Park.

The left-back has been unable to dislodge Dennis Cirkin from the starting line-up since re-signing for Sunderland earlier in the season, and Johnson is ready to let him leave.

The Black Cats head coach said: “There is interest from Portsmouth. Nothing has been agreed yet, but I believe there have been verbal offers.

“I took the decision to leave Denver out, because I felt it was fair on him. If he comes on and scores the winner, it could become difficult for him.

“If Danny Cowley asks for him for our team, it's difficult. He had the day off yesterday and I just felt it was the right thing to do. But if it goes past this week and nothing gets done, then he will absolutely be part of our squad moving forward.”

Cowley was also asked about Hume’s position after the game, and the Pompey boss admitted he is hoping to complete a deal for the 23-year-old in the next few days.

Cowley said: “He’s a player we would like to bring in. We’d like an attacking left-back and he’s one of two we’ve inquired about.

“I believe we’ve made an offer, but I’ve been focusing on this game and don’t know any more than that at the moment.”

Johnson was also asked about Sunderland’s position in relation to Jermain Defoe, with the former Black Cats striker available following the end of his contract with Rangers.

The Sunderland boss had previously expressed a degree of reluctance about re-signing Defoe, but says talks over the 39-year-old remain ongoing.

Johnson said: “We’re working very hard to bring Jermain in, and we’ve had good conversations (to that effect). It’s an option.

“It’s got to be right, both for us and for the player, I do think that, but don’t confuse us being thorough for not having interest.

“I’ve got a load of respect for the man himself and what he could bring to the football club, simple as that. We want to bring someone in of that ilk.”