Transfer latest: Striker trail goes cold as Portsmouth hunt key attacking additions
The latest on Pompey’s transfer pursuit of Nesta Elphege in the January window.
Pompey are ready to focus their transfer hunt away from Nesta Elphege as they search for a Championship-ready striker.
And Grenoble’s desire to retain the powerhouse striker is also set to see the Blues look elsewhere for a number nine this month.
Pompey turn attentions away from striker in search of Championship quality
The News understands Pompey have tested the water with a bid for their 6ft 4in front man around the valuation of the player, but the Ligue 2 side weren’t keen to part with the £1m-rated Frenchman.
And concerns over the bedding-in period likely required for Elphege to adapt to the Championship, now looks likely to see other striker options pursued in the January window.
Elphege was targeted this month, with Pompey’s interest in the 25-year-old spanning the past few months as he was placed on the club’s striker shortlist.
Talk a move was accelerating grew in recent days, with the in-form striker left out of his team’s weekend defeat against Red Star - often a tell-tale sign a deal is in the offing.
It appears Elphege won’t be making a move to Fratton Park, however, with everything presently pointing to the player remaining in the French Alps.
Grenoble are finding themselves in an increasingly precarious position towards the lower reaches of their country’s second tier, with the club not keen to part with one of their big assets.
And for Pompey’s part, the view’s immediate impact from their January signings is of paramount importance as they fight for their Championship lives.
Bid placed but Grenoble keen to keep 6ft 4in striker
Targeting players where that is more likely to be the case looks set to be the route travelled, with eyes firmly on strengthening attacking options at present.
Pompey have landed two players so far in the winter window, with winger Millenic Alli arriving from Luton Town on loan and Ebou Adams joining for £500,000 from Derby County.
Mousinho has confirmed a striker is wanted to bolster limited options up front at present. With Thomas Waddingham sidelined, Colby Bishop and Makenzie Kirk are the only players available to fill the number nine position.
Speaking on the subject of signing a striker, Mousinho told The News yesterday: ‘We’ve had Tom (Waddingham) injured and too much strain on Mack (Kirk) and Colby (Bishop), we didn’t expect Mack to play as much as he has so soon. With Callum (Lang) out as well and looking at the injuries you can see why we’re looking there.
‘Then there’s the lack of goals we’ve scored. We get into the final third really well, but aren’t doing enough with it. When we have enough attacking players at our disposal that will change.
‘Possibly (he’d sign a 10) but goalscoring attackers in that area aren’t easy to find.
‘That’s the trade off, if you want to buy a guaranteed goalscorer at the level they cost a huge amount and there’s not many of them available. Or you could take a risk abroad.
‘There’s quite a few permutations. What we’re keen to do is get a couple of pieces of the puzzle in place and go from there.’