Exclusive:Another Championship club joins Bristol City in race for in-demand Portsmouth boss John Mousinho

A second Championship club are pursuing John Mousinho as the race ramps up to capture the in-demand Pompey boss.

Long-time admirers Bristol City have targeted the Blues head coach to fill their vacancy following the departure of interim manager Roy Hodgson.

However, The News understands there are other admirers for Mousinho, whose remarkable Fratton Park tenure has won him many admirers outside the south coast.

In addition to the Robins, another Championship club are also eyeing the 40-year-old - although they presently have a manager in place.

That interest is with a view to Mousinho succeeding their current boss during the close season as the unnamed club seek a potential change of direction.

The development complicates Bristol City’s ongoing pursuit, while further intensifying doubts that Pompey can hold onto their head coach over the summer.

Its uncertainty which frustratingly continues to cast a shadow over Fratton Park, despite Andy Cullen telling The News on Thursday that an official approach for Mousinho had still to be received.

Regardless of Cullen’s reassurances, it has developed into an unsettling period for the Blues in the aftermath of securing their Championship future following a strong end to the campaign to finish 18th.

Sporting director linked with Sheffield Wednesday

Amid the ongoing saga of Mousinho’s Fratton Park future, Rich Hughes reportedly interested Sheffield Wednesday for their sporting director role - before later being ruled out by our sister paper the Sheffield Star.

Both had met owners Tornante on the eve of the final match of the campaign against Birmingham to discuss Pompey’s ambition and boosting their financial power.

Afterwards, Mousinho insisted his future hadn’t been discussed with co-owner Eric Eisner during those talks, nonetheless at least two clubs now have him in their sights.

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The growing interest in the former Oxford United defender reflects widespread admiration within football for his Fratton Park achievements since joining in January 2023 as a left-field appointment.

In addition to capturing the League One title in his first full season at the helm, Mousinho has now kept the Blues in the Championship for successive campaigns, despite possessing one of the lowest budgets.

Contracted at Fratton Park for another two years

That overachievement has also been recognised by the Fratton faithful, who are desperate for him to remain as head coach as he continues to flourish in a first managerial position.

Mousinho, who signed a new contract in September 2024 along with Hughes, is contracted at Fratton Park for another two years.

Yet there is a growing likelihood he could depart this summer as clubs step up their interest in one of the most highly-regarded young bosses outside of the Premier League.

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