Exclusive:Rich Hughes warns of paperwork 'complications' as Portsmouth target up to six more transfer window signings
Central midfielder Odin Bailey and promising winger Eoin Kenny have joined the Blues so far this summer
Rich Hughes is targeting 5-6 more signings in the summer transfer window.
Although Pompey’s sporting director has warned of the ‘complications’ of recruiting players from different countries and the accompanying paperwork which can impact timings.
The Blues have so far added Odin Bailey and Eoin Kenny to their ranks, with both currently attending their pre-season training camp in the Republic of Ireland.
Work is also ongoing to bring Rocco Shein and Marko Milovanovic to Fratton Park, with deals having been agreed with their parent clubs and the players themselves.
Hailing from Estonia and Serbia respectively, the requirement for obtaining work permits and visas can potentially be a lengthy process.
And, speaking generally, Hughes has highlighted the issues with bringing in players from outside the UK in terms of necessary paperwork.
‘The market has warmed up’
He told The News: ‘There are probably 5-6 more we are looking to strengthen and add to the group, lots of those conversations are ongoing.
‘We have been working really hard on quite a few fronts at the minute. The market has warmed up and things are starting to move and shape now the World Cup is coming to a close.
‘We’re trying really hard to get deals done and would love to get them done at the earliest point to give them time to bed into the group, get used to their team-mates and maximise that ability for them to affect the start of the season.
‘But I think it’s unlikely for this week in terms of being part of the tour over here. There is hope from us as a football club to get things done soon, whether that entails players being out here or being signed we will have to wait and see.
‘Obviously with some players if they are coming from different countries there are complications to get through in terms of work permits, visas and all those other sorts of things.
‘So it’s something just to be aware of that there’s a practicality to being in a different county from us as a football club at the minute.’
Pompey friendlies kick off next week
Mousinho has also ruled out the possibility of any more additions arriving this week, with the Blues scheduled to remain in Ireland until Saturday.
The pre-season friendly programme kicks off at Woking on July 14, followed by a trip to Aldershot the following evening.
In the meantime, the Blues are pushing hard to bring in new faces ahead of the season’s start at West Ham in the Carabao Cup on August 8.
Hughes added: ‘There are some natural ones (transfers) that have been spoken about, some that we know we need to add strength and depth to the group.
‘Then, ultimately, there’s always the conversation that if you can improve the squad and create depth somewhere it’s something you should entertain.’