Portsmouth should launch Crystal Palace transfer raid to help Callum Lang situation | OneFootball

With Callum Lang out for up to 8-12 weeks, Portsmouth should attempt to sign Crystal Palace youngster

Portsmouth have less than a week left to complete any more business before the transfer window closes on 1st September, with Callum Lang sustaining a lengthy injury Pompey should swoop in for attacking reinforcements

Portsmouth have got off to a steady start this Championship campaign, currently sitting in the top-half of the table. However, a major cause for concern for manager John Mousinho early on this season has been injury issues.

As Mousinho looks down the list of wingers available to him, it's sparse to say the least. Harvey Blair and Callum Lang have both sustained nasty injuries, with the latter looking to be sidelined for up to 8-12 weeks.

With injuries being a key factor as to why the Pompey boss has had to navigate his way around an ever-changing forward line, and Matt Ritchie seeming likely to be on his way out of Fratton Park hasn't helped Mousinho's squad depth.

The need for attacking reinforcements is a must for Pompey, and with time ticking down on the transfer window's clock, the lack of attacking options is worrying.

Florian Bianchini, Josh Murphy, and Min-Hyeok Yang are the options that Mousinho has on his hands, so, Portsmouth potentially searching for a short-term move could be a solution to their injury crisis - the answer could well be at Selhust Park.

Crystal Palace's Romain Esse should be on Portsmouth's targets to fill Callum Lang void

The young 20-year-old winger Romain Esse is a player that should be on Portsmouth's radar as a direct replacement for Callum Lang.

With Lang ruled out for up to 8-12 weeks after undergoing surgery on his left hamstring, Esse would be a solid replacement for Lang and could provide an injection of pace to the Pompey attack.

Esse arrived at Crystal Palace at the start of the year after impressing in the Championship with Millwall. After bursting on to the scene as a teenager, Esse was quick to impress and soon earned a move to the top-flight where his career for the Eagles is yet to really get going.

Having proved that he can be a handful for defenders in the Championship, a short-term loan deal for the youngster could benefit all parties involved in the deal. On a personal note, Esse would receive some much-needed game-time merely being 20 years of age, and for Portsmouth, they would gain a raw, talented attacker who has the keen ability to beat a man and get dangerous crosses into the box.

Romain Esse's need for game-time could be perfect for Portsmouth

Esse made 66 appearances for the Lions before making the move to Palace, where he scored seven goals and provided one assist.

As for his time in the top flight, it has been a slow burner. The youngster has played 10 times for his current club and has found it difficult to weave his way into the lineup after facing fierce competition from the likes of Ismaila Sarr and the new Arsenal man, Eberechi Eze.

With Lang now out for a lengthy period of time, Esse could well be the right man to fill the void. Making a move back down to the Championship for the 20-year-old could be a sensible yet beneficial decision for him. He has the ability to become a vital part of Mousinho's Pompey side if a short-term loan deal was on the cards.

A vision of having Murphy on one wing and Esse on the other, could prove to be a dangerous duo. The 30-year-old's experience combined with the fresh and vibrant youth of Esse could surely be a possibility to excite Pompey fans in Lang's absence. Murphy tallied up 21 goals and assists in the Championship last season, and could well put up similar numbers with the help of Esse.