Portsmouth manager John Mousinho has confirmed there will be no new faces at Fratton Park before Saturday's Championship fixture at Lincoln City, though he insists work behind the scenes on potential additions is continuing.

Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, Mousinho was candid about where things stand with less than a fortnight left before the transfer deadline closes on Tuesday 1 September.

"There's progress but we won't see anything before the weekend," he said. "We had a lot of progress before the QPR game with the signings that came in that week; we're still working on the final touches in the squad, both ins and outs."

Left-back a priority area

According to the report, the left-back position remains Portsmouth's most pressing area of need following an injury setback to Connor Ogilvie. The club are understood to be actively pursuing targets in that position, though Mousinho was careful not to suggest any deal was imminent ahead of the trip to Sincil Bank.

Despite the wait, the Portsmouth boss sounded composed about the club's overall standing in the window. "When the dust settles at the back end of the window, I think we'll be fine," he added. "We've still got quite a while to go before the end of the window."

Departures also on the agenda

Outgoings are just as significant a piece of Portsmouth's transfer puzzle at this stage. The club currently carry 29 senior players on their books and will be required to trim that number to 25 before the deadline passes. Mousinho acknowledged enquiries have come in for some players, though he is in no rush to let numbers drop too sharply.

"We're still not 100% comfortable on letting too many go at the moment," he said. "There's been a couple of enquiries for players here and there which we're definitely entertaining and we have ears open to everything. We're much more comfortable with the state of the squad at the moment but not willing to let two or three go, maybe more happy with one or two. It's just waiting for the right opportunity."

Attention turns to Lincoln

With no fresh additions expected before kick-off, Mousinho's focus will fall squarely on preparing his side for the visit to Sincil Bank. Lincoln City, fellow Championship members this season, host Pompey in a 12:30 BST Saturday lunchtime kick-off, giving both clubs the chance to build on their early-season campaigns.

Portsmouth's most recent outing saw them fall to defeat against QPR at Fratton Park, a result that will add urgency to their preparations. Mousinho will be hoping the group already at his disposal can deliver a positive result while the recruitment team continue their work in the background.

The window dynamic at Portsmouth is a familiar one: a manager balancing the demands of the present fixture list against a squad that is still being shaped for the long run of the Championship season. With the deadline a little under two weeks away, there remains time for movement, both in and out, but Pompey supporters will need a little more patience before any new names are confirmed.

Frequently asked

Will Portsmouth sign anyone before the Lincoln City game?
No. Manager John Mousinho confirmed that no new signings will arrive before Saturday's Championship match at Lincoln City, though he says progress is being made on potential targets.
When does the transfer window close for Portsmouth?
The transfer deadline falls on Tuesday 1 September, giving Portsmouth just under two weeks to complete any further ins and outs.
Why are Portsmouth looking to sign a left-back?
Connor Ogilvie has suffered an injury setback, leaving the left-back position as Portsmouth's most urgent area of need in the current transfer window, according to reports.