Former dressing-room buddies at Oxford United, free-agents Gavin Whyte and Sam Smith have been tipped to join the ex-U’s defender at Fratton Park as he looks to put his own stamp on the squad he inherited from Danny Cowley.
Meanwhile, Mousinho has spoken favourably of the duo, too, adding fuel to the fire that both could arrive ahead of next season.
It’s common for managers/head coaches to turn to players they trust and know when it comes to recruitment.
So who else in the Blues boss’ black book of contacts could he potentially weigh up in order to get Pompey back among the promotion mix?
They would need to fit into the club’s vision for the future under sporting director Rich Hughes. However, he has already said that all options will be considered, irrespective of age, if they are deemed enough and represent value for money.
Here’s a few ex-Mousinho colleagues who could fit the bill.
5. Nathan Holland
A player who registered five goals and five assists while a team-mate of Mousinho during the 2020-21 season. Holland will no doubt have come under the Blues' radar - especially after MK Dons' relegation to League Two. A player who operates on the left of a midfield three or wide left, he finished the season with five assists and impressive figures in a host of other key attacking areas. Progressive runs per 90 mins (3.66), successful passes into the final third (72.22%), successful smart passes (20%), smart passes per 90 mins (1.08) and assists per 90 mins (0.22). The former West Ham youth product will unlikely want to spend next season in League Two. According to Wyscout, a fee of 400,00 euros might tempt the Dons into selling Photo: Pete Norton
6. Jordan Thorniley
The Blackpool defender played alongside Mousinho while on loan at Oxford during the 2020-21 season. The 26-year-old is out of contract at Bloomfield Road and won't be offered a new deal - despite clocking up 30 Championship appearances for the Tangerines and being one of their most consistent players. The left-footed centre-back could be the ideal replacement for Clark Robertson and offer the kind of competition that Ryley Towler needs. Photo: Gareth Copley
7. STOCKPORT, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 07: Sean Clare of Charlton during the Emirates FA Cup Second Round Replay between Stockport County and Charlton Athletic at Edgeley Park on December 07, 2022 in Stockport, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
The right-sided midfielder/defender is a free agent after his contract at Charlton came to an end. Mousinho knows the 26-year-old well from their time together at Oxford during the 2020-21 season. Clare has proven himself to be a very good player at this level, with 40 league games under his belt at the Addicks last term. Mousinho will need to be quick, though, if he's interested in his former team-mate, with Derby, QPR and Cardiff among those reportedly keen on the free agent. Photo: Gareth Copley
8. Olamide Shodipo
The winger scored 11 goals for the U's during his loan from QPR in 2020-21. That helped get Oxford to the play-off semi-finals and earned Shodipo a decent reputation. He's struggled to find that form since at Sheffield Wednesday (loan), Lincoln (loan) and at QPR. It might explain why the R's are letting the 25-year-old go this summer. But could Mousinho be the one to unlock his talent and get the best out of him? Photo: Alex Burstow