Breaking: 'We're relatively close': John Mousinho's encouraging Portsmouth transfer message

That’s the encouraging message from John Mousinho, who admits there could potentially be new faces at Fratton Park before the week is out.

Former Barnsley right-back Jordan Williams was snapped up on the opening day of the transfer window last Friday.

That represents the Blues’ sole piece of business in the window so far, although clearly these are still extremely early days in the summer recruitment drive.

Mousinho has reassured the Fratton faithful other targets continue to be pursued - and is optimistic some are near completion.

He told The News: ‘There are a few bits, we are relatively close. I speak to Rich and the recruitment team every day in terms of making sure we keep every iron in the fire.

‘The window has probably been relatively slow so far as a whole (for all clubs), there hasn’t been a huge amount going on, particularly in the Championship. When players start reporting back for pre-season, there’s probably going to be more of an urgency to make decisions and to decide where their future lies.

‘With us, I expect things to start moving this week, if not next week, but we are relatively relaxed about the situation.

‘We’re working hard behind the scenes and making sure we tick every box at our end, hoping for the right outcome in terms of the top targets. We have plenty underneath that as well, just in case they don’t come off.

‘Possibly there may be signings this week, but I don’t know, it depends on a number of factors. From our point of view, we are doing everything we possibly can to get these players in.

‘The most important thing is to make sure we get the right players at the right time. We shouldn’t panic on anything, let’s give players enough time to make the correct decision.

‘Last year we were able to announce a raft of signings in the first week of the transfer window opening - and this year everything is different.

‘There is that fine balance of making sure we get our business done as quickly as we can, but also take the players we want to take.’

In addition to Williams’ arrival, Connor Ogilvie has committed his future to Pompey by signing a new two-year deal at the weekend.

According to Mousinho, Pack is also on the verge of a fresh contract as strengthening work continues for the Championship challenge ahead.

He added: ‘We’re really pleased to get Jordan over the line. That’s a real top-end free agent as far as we are concerned, a player we’ve been excited about and following for a while.

‘Then to get Connor Ogilvie’s contract renewal done as well, we are also really happy about that. It’s just about building and making sure we don’t rush into anything.

‘We know pre-season is around the corner and we want to get bodies in through the door, but we’re in a good position and are really, really confident that we’ll be in a strong position by the time we come back.’