The new Fratton Park boss is desperate to reinforce his squad as
he looks to pull off a miracle escape from the drop zone.
Chief executive Peter Storrie is confident Pompey will have
their transfer ban lifted in time to make signings during January's
window.
Striker Sturridge, 20, arrived at Stamford Bridge from
Manchester City in the summer. But the fee is still to be decided
by tribunal and he has yet to start a Premier League game for the
Blues.
Even so, Chelsea may decide they need cover for Didier Drogba
and Salomon Kalou when the pair are away on African Nations Cup
duty with the Ivory Coast next month.
But that will not deter former Blues boss Grant. Portsmouth have
scored just 13 goals in 15 league outings this season - and four of
those came in one game against Wigan.
Grant is also prepared to use his contacts at the Bridge to lure
Brazilian veteran Juliano Belletti to the South Coast.
The right-back, 33, has recovered from an Achilles injury
suffered in August but is struggling to break into the Chelsea
first team, despite the absence of first-choice Jose Bosingwa.
Belletti has started just two league games this term under Carlo
Ancelotti and is out of contract at the end of the season.
Grant believes his versatility and experience could be an asset
to a squad short of quality.