COULD BE A HUGE BOOST: Portsmouth boss’ January transfer window reveal over where focus could lie after meeting with Club Management

And John Mousinho has confirmed that the Blues will keep their options open if any attractive leftfield possibilities emerge when the winter transfer market opens.

This is despite the fact that the head coach must consider the cohesion of his current group and leave senior players in the stands when players are fit.
The Pompey recruitment team is hard at work getting ready for when the shutters open for transfer activity on January 1.
Wide positions, according to Mousinho, might be a focus, although that is mostly dependant on how Anthony Scully recovers from knee surgery, with the summer acquisition from Wigan set to miss the remainder of 2023.

The Blues’ manager is also far away, and there are unforeseen complications that can and generally do arise, influencing the thinking on transfer transaction.

When asked if a winger would be a priority in January, Mousinho replied, ‘Yes, I think that one relies on injuries and how Anthony comes back from the injury.’If he returns and is flying, and none of the other wingers are injured, we’d be very comfortable – but we know things can change, and they can change quickly. Injuries are certainly number one, followed by availability.’

When it comes to alternative options Pompey could pursue during the winter window, Mousinho noted that keeping an open mind about what might happen is essential.

When it appeared that a loan agreement had fallen through, the chance to bring in Tino Anjorin from Chelsea resurfaced.

‘If there are players available who we believe can come in and effect the starting line-up immediately or squad in the future, that is the type of thing we want to accomplish,’ Mousinho continued.

‘If they can alter the starting line-up then absolutely, but we’re also looking for players for the future.

‘Terry Devlin is an excellent example of someone who can accomplish both. He has the ability to influence the starting lineup and is quite aggressive. However, we believe he will be a very good player in the future. If those players become available, we will not turn them down if we have the resources and space in the squad to do so.’