Portsmouth boss reveals where transfer chase turns next with Southampton showdown on horizon
The transfer latest from the Pompey boss and where the recruitment focus now lies.
John Mousinho believes the Pompey transfer focus now has to turn to attacking reinforcements.
And the Blues confirmed another new winger is firmly on the shopping list, before the close of the transfer window on February 2. while Grenoble striker Nesta Elphege is being strongly pursued.
Mousinho on attacking transfers: ‘Where we are focussing now’
Recruitment business is now up and running with two new additions through the door last week, in the shape of winger Millenic Alli and midfielder Ebou Adams.
Both men were involved in the 1-0 success at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, as Pompey made it 11 Championship points from a possible 18.
Mousinho has made it clear a new centre-back is on the agenda in the winter window, with injuries to Josh Knight and Hayden Matthews.
But the Pompey boss feels attacking areas are the bigger priority and now require major focus, ahead of clashes with Watford on Wednesday the south coast derby with Southampton on Sunday.
A striker is being sought with Elphege a wanted man in that department and seen as the physical presence required, while the Blues have been linked with FC Zurich winger Jahnoah Markelo.
Mousinho has already hinted at bringing in a new number nine, with the Pompey boss now making it clear he expects a busy period with another winger wanted.
He said: ‘It still feels very, very early in the window to me - so expect a few more.
‘I’d say you have to be realistic about the injury situation and picking up those two injuries last week.
‘We finished the game against Sheffield Wednesday with our right-back playing right-wing, even though Terry can play in any position!
‘We finished our other right-back at left-back and our 10 at left wing.
Pompey boss on winger: ‘We need to take an additional one’
‘We do need reinforcements, particularly at the top end of the pitch - and that’s where we are focussing now. I think that’s where we’ll be looking for the next coupe of weeks.
‘I think we need to take an additional one (winger), because we finished the game with no wingers and have none fit.’
Pompey had academy youngster Tayo Singerr on the bench once again at Sheffield Wednesday, with Marlon Pack’s hamstring injury making it 10 players sidelined.
That underlines the importance of new players, but Mousinho isn’t panicking over the immediacy of new signings ahead of Wednesday’s trip to Watford.
He added: ‘I’ve been in game mode and not recruitment mode, so I’ll catch up with Rich (Hughes) and see what’s happening.
‘The most important thing is we don’t rush into anything, and we don’t bring in the wrong player at the wrong time and just try to plug the gap.
‘There’s still a long time to go in the window and while there is urgency, the most important thing was to get through the game and move on from there.’