Portsmouth close in on Sheffield Wednesday favourite as busy end to transfer window anticipated
The Blues are chasing their fourth signing ahead of the transfer window closing on Monday, February 2
Pompey remain confident they can win the race for Sheffield Wednesday’s in-demand Svante Ingelsson.
As previously reported, the Blues have identified the Swede to strengthen their central midfield area in the battle to avoid the drop.
A number of Championship clubs have indicated interest in the highly-regarded 27-year-old who is out of contract in the summer, although the Owls have a 12-month option.
According to the Sheffield Star, a Pompey bid for Ingelsson has already been rejected, yet, with Wednesday still in administration, there remains the likelihood that business could be done at the right price.
The News understands the Blues consider themselves still firmly in the hunt to land their target as the transfer window approaches its final week - and are growing increasingly confident they can be successful in their pursuit.
Pompey closing in on ‘a couple’ of players
Following Sunday’s south-coast derby, John Mousinho declined to comment on the links, which emerged on Friday evening.
But the head coach did indicate Pompey are closing in on ‘a couple’ of players, having already snapped up Millenic Alli, Ebou Adams and Keshi Anderson in this window.
And it is believed Ingelsson remains at the top of their wish-list as the February 2 deadline day looms.
Mousinho told The News: ‘You know what I am going to say, he’s a Sheffield Wednesday player, so no comment.
‘I think by the time we speak this time next week after West Brom, I expect to have a couple through the door.
‘In terms of how close we are, we are closer towards the end of the window.’
New arrivals shine in south-coast derby draw
The all-action Adams marked his home debut with a 77th-minute equaliser and an outstanding man-of-the-match display as the Fratton faithful instantly took him to their hearts.
Yet Pompey are keen to partner the ex-Derby man with Ingelsson in the centre of midfield, bolstered by Andre Dozzell, Marlon Pack, John Swift and Luke Le Roux.
Le Roux, in particular, is well out of the first-team frame and another arrival - plus the return to fitness of Pack against Southampton - could allow him to depart on loan.
Certainly the South African is under threat of not being registered in the Blues’ 25-man Football League squad if more fresh faces arrive, including Ingelsson.
The Swede has started 26 games this season, scoring once, and also featured in the Owls’ 2-0 defeat at Bristol City on Saturday.
Ingelsson started the match, before making way for Devlan Moses in the 87th minute in a match which also marked an emotional farewell for Barry Bannan, who has been linked with a move to Millwall.