Portsmouth are preparing for a busy transfer deadline day while reflecting on a weekend defeat that leaves them 15th in the Championship table. Manager John Mousinho told portsmouth.co.uk the club's board is ready to sanction late moves, with the Blues having scored five goals but conceded six in their opening three games.
What are Portsmouth's transfer deadline plans?
John Mousinho expects up to three new signings before the window closes, according to a report from portsmouth.co.uk. The manager highlighted the club's ability to react quickly to late opportunities, citing examples from the January window where the board gave swift approval for potential deals.
He stated that regular discussions are held with owners Michael and Eric Eisner through sporting director Andy Cullen and head of recruitment Rich Hughes. "We can convene a meeting very quickly and easily," Mousinho said. "They are unbelievably invested in the football club." The club must also manage departures to meet the EFL's 25-man squad limit for the Championship season.
Which players are Portsmouth targeting?
Burton Albion forward Tyrese Shade remains a key target, though Pompey view his reported £2 million valuation as high for a player who was in the National League last year. A new full-back is also wanted, with Zak Swanson's versatility meaning an addition on either flank is possible.
Interest in Sheffield United's Rhys Norrington-Davies was reported by The News, but Blades boss Chris Wilder has indicated the Welsh international is part of his plans. Links to Liverpool's Luke Chambers have reportedly cooled, with the player set to stay at Anfield. Portsmouth also remain braced for a bid for their prime asset, Adrian Segečić, who is attracting interest from Birmingham City.
How did Portsmouth perform against Bristol City?
Bristol Live's player ratings from Saturday's match highlighted a 2-1 defeat for Portsmouth at Ashton Gate. The hosts secured their first win of the season with goals from Lorent Tolaj and Jason Knight, leaving Pompey with a record of one win and two losses from their opening three fixtures.
Bristol City's Jason Knight received an 8/10 rating for his energetic display and a superb second-half header. Defender Rob Dickie earned a 7 for keeping Portsmouth striker Colby Bishop quiet, while left-back Rio Cardines was rated 7.5 after providing the assist for Knight's goal. The result leaves Portsmouth six points behind early league leaders Charlton Athletic.
Who is currently unavailable for Portsmouth?
The squad is dealing with several absences as they prepare for their next Championship fixture. Connor Ogilvie, Franco Umeh, Jacob Farrell, Josef Bursik, Keshi Anderson, and Márk Kosznovszky are all currently sidelined through injury.
This impacts selection options for the upcoming match against Cardiff City at Fratton Park on September 5. You can check the latest availability on the club's injuries page. Cardiff currently sit 13th in the table, two places and two points ahead of Portsmouth in the standings.
What is next for Portsmouth?
Attention now turns to the transfer deadline and the quick turnaround to the next league game. The club must finalise its squad by the 11pm deadline on Tuesday while integrating any new arrivals ahead of the Cardiff match.
Portsmouth will be looking to improve on their recent form, which reads loss-win-loss from the first three matches. Their next opportunity comes at home on September 5, a game you can find on the club's fixtures schedule.
