Pompey squad a long way from full strength - Mousinho

[Getty Images] Portsmouth manager John Mousinho admits they still need to sign a number of new players before the transfer window shuts on 1 September. The Championship side have already made six summer signings as they look to build on finishing 16th and 18th in their two seasons since promotion from League One in 2024. Mousinho told BBC Radio Solent: "There's definite gaps that we need to fill, and we are fully aware of what and where they are. Some are more significant than others. "I've been pretty clear that we want to make further additions, and I think it's absolutely necessary that we do make further additions. "We've done some good business so far, but we're a long way from where we need to be at the back end of August." Portsmouth are currently being linked with Hull City winger Abu Kamara, Antalyaspor midfielder Jesper Ceesay and 17-year-old Chelsea winger Ryan Kavuma-McQueen. Mousinho added: "There will be loans, we're trying not to rely on too many, but ultimately over the past couple of seasons we've ended with six loans on both occasions. "The current state is very difficult to assess at this stage of the season. We're not going to take loans for the sake of it, but we'll see what crops up." Pompey have been handed arguably the toughest possible tie in round one of the League Cup, with an away trip to relegated Premier League side West Ham United on Saturday. Mousinho says his current squad is ready to face what he calls "a huge challenge", but a situation that also presents "a lot of opportunities". "They're a massive club, with massive expectation. A huge amount in terms of resource and a side that have only very recently won a European trophy. "We want to try and progress in the cup. We'll be at full strength to try and win it, but we're probably not quite there with the squad at the moment. It will be our starting eleven at this stage of the season." Latest Portsmouth news, analysis and fan views