Portsmouth manager John Mousinho has confirmed the club is ready for a late flurry of transfer activity before the window closes next Tuesday. He revealed the Blues have been given the green light by owners to capitalise on their strong summer spending.
Mousinho told reporters the club is in a good position to add to its squad. "We're all on board with that after a call with the owners on Tuesday," he said. "We're under no illusions - we're ready to go."
The Pompey boss is targeting three more players: a full-back, a central midfielder and a versatile attacker. The club's interest in Burton Albion winger Tyrese Shade is long-standing, with the League One side valuing him at around £2 million. Portsmouth have also been linked with a move for Casa Pia midfielder Iyad Mohamed, a Comoros international, though work permit rules could complicate any deal.
Other names in the frame for the full-back role include Liverpool's Luke Chambers and Sheffield United's Rhys Norrington-Davies. Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has indicated Norrington-Davies is not currently for sale.
Any new arrivals must fit within the EFL's 25-man squad regulations, meaning departures or deregistrations are likely. There is also interest from Championship side Birmingham City in Pompey's Adrian Segečić, which could provide further funds or squad space.
Mousinho emphasised the need for smart business in the final days. "It's about getting deals done that don't hurt the football club by spending money just for the sake of it," he explained. He added that the club has money available for fees or wages, but will be disciplined. "One thing I've learned is if the player's in front of you, you have the money and you think we may as well just take them... It's not worth doing it. You end up being lumbered with them for too long."
The manager believes the impact of summer signings so far gives cause for optimism at Fratton Park. Fans can track the evolving squad on the club's squad page and see how the team is shaping up for the season ahead. Portsmouth's next fixture is a key test, and supporters can check the full fixtures schedule for details. The transfer window closes at 11pm on Tuesday night.
