The Blues are expecting another busy period of activity with as many as six new faces tipped to arrive before 7pm on Monday, February 2.
We’ve looked at some of the key areas of focus for Pompey, in terms of both the positions which need strengthening and the issues which could impact business.
5. Striker strengthening
The logic of the recruitment policy made perfect sense. When operating at the back of the Championship pack, investing a significant portion of your playing budget in a striker wasn’t necessarily the best use of limited resources when Colby Bishop is your established first choice. Few would’ve seen Pompey’s top scorer of the past three seasons having a significant form drop-off, with Thomas Waddingham - an option highly rated by Pompey’s football operation - out until February. Makenzie Kirk has promise, but it’s still early days for the Northern Ireland prospect - an experienced No9 looks to be needed, even if John Mousinho is saying that's not the case. | Graham Hunt
6. Right stuff needed
With Matt Ritchie moving on to Reading last summer, Pompey spent £500,000 to bring in Franco Umeh from Crystal Palace with it anticipated the new boy would vie with Harvey Blair for starting minutes on the right wing. In the event, Umeh arrived with a hamstring issue and hasn’t played a minute of football and Blair has dealt with his own ongoing hamstring issues. Callum Lang is back and playing down the right, but is effective centrally. Much like the centre-back position, there has to be close eyes on the existing options with a view to recruiting over the coming weeks. | Portsmouth FC Photo: Portsmouth FC
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7. EFL squad limit
John Mousinho has stated a desire to recruit as many as six new faces before the close of the January window - that has to be carried out with consideration for the EFL’s squad rules. At Championship level that means keeping to the 25-man squad limit, with exemptions for contracted under-21 players. Pompey currently have one space open, so to action business players will likely have to be moved on - or potentially remain and not be registered, as was the case with Tom Lowery and Ben Stevenson last term. | The News
8. Loan deals to be done
Loans will certainly play a significant role for Pompey when the shutters go up for January business. Florian Bianchini, Minhyeok Yang and Conor Chaplin make up the temporary trio at present, with John Mousinho making it clear Chaplin is wanted and he thinks Yang will be sticking around. Bianchini has disappointed, however, and it may be best for all parties if a parting of ways unfolds. Pompey can name up to five temporary additions in their matchday squad, meaning up to three loans could be recruited if Bianchini left and both Chaplin and Yang remained. | Paul Phelan/ProSportsImages