Pompey may consider dipping their toes in to the free agent market should things change over the coming months.
Last year, Lee Evans was signed on a deal until the end of the season, following injuries to several central midfield options. Pompey had a 22-man squad list to deal with then but following their promotion to the Championship, second-tier teams are allowed another three players.
'There is sometimes a clamour to take a player from the free agent market,’ said Mousinho to The News in his pre-match press conference on Wednesday ahead of the trip to Sheffield United at the weekend.
‘The best ones in that market are often snapped up pretty quickly, but you never know what is available.
'Some of these players have not played for a long time either, so getting them up to scratch quickly can be difficult.’
The EFL will be expecting a 25-man squad list from Championship clubs soon, and it will be interesting to see who will feature on Pompey's list. If they name less than 25 then that will allow them to sign a free agent, as long as they were released before the January transfer window shut.
As seen in January, Pompey's stance on loans changed, and they ended up signing Rob Atkinson, Isaac Hayden, Adil Aouchiche, and Kaide Gordon. They've got six loan players now, so there's a selection headache for the manager when all of his players are fit.
With Mousinho and sporting director Rich Hughes proving they are flexible when it comes to transfers, it shows that the door can’t be entirely closed on free transfers. There’s a few players with a vast amount of experience in the Championship which could help get them over the line in terms of their relegation.
Take a look below at the players who are free to be snapped up even after the winter transfer window has closed for business.
5. Ryan Kent
Perhaps the best name on the list. The 28-year-old is a free agent after his contract was ripped up at Fenerbahce. Best known for a successful spell at Rangers in which he won a Scottish Premiership title under Steven Gerrard. Had loans with Barnsley and Bristol City in the Championship but most of his success has been elsewhere. | Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Photo: YAGIZ GURTUG/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)
6. Victor Wanyama
He's played on the South Coast before, just for Pompey's fierce rivals Southampton... The Kenyan international's contract at Montreal wasn't extended, and so he's free to join any club No experience of Championship football but he did play 154 times in the Premier League. | Getty Images Photo: Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
7. Johnny Russell
Sporting Kansas City decided not to renew Russell's contract. The Scotsman had four seasons as a player at Derby County with his best return being nine goals in 39 games. His position is a winger. | Getty Images Photo: Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)
8. Timothy Fosu-Mensah
A few teams in the Championship were meant to be keeping tabs on the Dutch defender. Middlesbrough and Stoke City both were keeping tabs along with Rangers, but whoever takes him on would have to build up his fitness levels. The 27-year-old didn't make a competitive appearance for Leverkusen last season. He's got 49 games of Premier League football under his belt. | Getty Images Photo: Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)