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.
9. Jordan Graham
The 28-year-old has been released by Birmingham after failing to produce the numbers he recorded at Gillingham before his move to St Andrew's in the summer of 2021. The right-sided midfielder can operate on the left as well and won't be short of offers this season. Featured 16 times for Oxford in their 2018-19 League One season. Photo: Matt McNulty
10. Curtis Nelson
The experienced centre-back is out of contract following the expiry of his short-term deal at Blackpool. A former Oxford captain, the 30-year-old would bring some welcomed nous to the Pompey centre-back department. Photo: Ryan Hiscott
11. Jon McLaughlin
The giant keeper is out of contract at Rangers this season and on the look-out for a new challenge. The Scot played with Mousinho at Burton and has seen his career progress rapidly ever since, playing for the likes of Sunderland, Hearts and the Gers. At 35 years of age, he doesn't exactly fit the remit Rich Hughes is working towards. However, if Pompey need two keepers this summer, he'd be a very good option to have. Look what David Forde's arrival did for Pompey during their 2016-17 League Two title-winning season. Photo: Christian Kaspar-Bartke
12. Tyler Walker
This would be a controversial signing, indeed, given the Coventry striker's frustrating loan spell at Pompey over the second half of the 2021-22 season. The striker's contract is up at the end of the season. Could Mousinho get the best out of his former Burton team-mate? Photo: Marc Atkins