Devante Cole signs: What Portsmouth FC's perfect January transfer window looks like | OneFootball

At Football League World, we have taken a look at what the perfect January window looks like for Portsmouth.

Having returned to the Championship for the first time since 2012, Portsmouth supporters would have been hopeful for a strong start to the 2024-25 season.

Unfortunately, their return has been far from ideal, with the south-coast side managing only two wins from their opening 15 fixtures, leaving them 23rd in the table and three points adrift of safety heading into the November international break.

This has seen John Mousinho come under some fire, but most fans are in acceptance that the club didn't do enough work in the previous transfer window.

However, with the January window a month-and-a-half away, it gives the Pompey hierarchy the opportunity to resurrect their issues for the second half of the season.

If done successfully, this could place Mousinho's side back on track, and they could be eyeing a second consecutive season in the Championship.

With this in mind, at Football League World, we have detailed what a perfect January transfer window looks like for Pompey.

The major problem for Portsmouth this season has been their inability to keep the ball out of the net. They've struggled all across the back four, which makes targeting a new defender of paramount importance.

For that reason, we have selected an up-and-coming talent from Manchester United, who is seen as a potential future England left-back.

At 17-years-old, Harry Amass may not have experienced professional first-team football yet, but he would prove a real coup for Mousinho's side.

Signed by the Red Devils from Watford in 2023, the youngster has been heavily involved in match-day squads but is yet to receive his chance on the pitch.

However, during United's pre-season camp in the United States, Amass impressed with a string of good performances against top-level opposition.

A move to Fratton Park could offer him valuable playing time while providing strong competition for Connor Ogilvie, who has had his struggles this season against seasoned Championship forwards.

Of course, there's no guarantee that the Red Devils would sanction a loan move. However, their reluctance to give him game time despite their own left-back issues suggests they may be open to a short-term loan to accelerate his development away from Old Trafford.

Portsmouth should try to take advantage of this, and we could see Amass become a six-month star at Fratton Park.

Ryley Towler to depart Portsmouth

Ryley Towler may have started Portsmouth's first four games of the season, but since the return of Tom McIntyre and Regan Poole, the former Bristol City man hasn't featured once.

This is a very similar pattern to his 2023-24 season, where the 22-year-old made only six League One appearances.

These statistics would suggest Mousinho is not fully trusting in Towler's ability, and for that reason, a January departure to League One would make sense.

Aged 22, a temporary move away from the club seems the most sensible option for his development. However, if a suitable offer were to come in, Portsmouth might be tempted to cash in, especially as it could provide a financial boost to reinvest in strengthening their defence.

This is a player to keep an eye on, as plenty of clubs near the foot of the third tier would be willing to take a chance on Towler's abilities.

Bring in an out-of-favour Devante Cole from West Brom

While it was superb to see a goalscoring return for Colby Bishop in the 3-1 win over Preston North End, it still feels as if John Mousinho needs to add some attacking support as the 2024-25 season continues.

This aid could come in the form of Devante Cole, who has endured a difficult time at West Bromwich Albion since making the move from Barnsley in the summer on a free transfer.

Making just four appearances for the Baggies so far, the attacker has racked up just 44 minutes of second-tier football. Unfortunately, for the 29-year-old, it doesn't seem that this will increase anytime soon either, with Josh Maja's nine goals in 15 games keeping him out of the side.

For this reason, he may be searching for a short-term move away from The Hawthorns, and Portsmouth should be keen on bringing him to the south coast due to his League One record last season.

While Bishop may be the first choice when he's fit enough to start matches, it remains uncertain how much Portsmouth will risk him following his recent return from heart surgery. Therefore, bringing in a proven goalscorer like Cole would be a sensible move.

His consecutive 16 and 18 goal seasons in League One were impressive, and he will be desperate to prove himself at this level.