League Two Portsmouth are close to signing Blues defender Matt Clarke on loan. The 18-year-old is understood to have travelled to Fratton Park this evening for talks.

Former Claydon High School pupil Clarke made his senior debut in last season’s Capital One Cup first round tie at Crawley Town - at left-back rather than in his usual central defensive role - and went on to make a further four sub appearances in the league.

Manager Mick McCarthy is a big fan of Clarke and last season said that he would have no qualms about starting the Barham-based defender should he need to, but with Christophe Berra and Tommy Smith regulars at the heart of the defence and skipper Luke Chambers also primarily a centre-half his opportunity didn’t come.

With his chances similarly set to be limited this season, McCarthy is likely to be keen to get him out on loan to gain first-team experience.

Clarke - who also operated in central midfield when an Academy player - is contracted until the summer of 2016 with the club having an option for a further season.

The defender could make his first appearance for Pompey when they face Coventry City in a friendly on Tuesday.

Photo: Action Images

Michael11 added 19:51 - Jul 20 He retweeted that he's in Portsmouth ahead of a loan move so that should pretty much confirm he is. I expect Pompey to be up there next season so it could be a great move for him. I fully expect us to sign one, if not, two defenders in the coming days as McCarthy wouldn't let him leave without a suitable replacement.
2

Lightningboy added 19:55 - Jul 20 Makes sense for him to get some experience elsewhere but leaves us very short..also makes getting shot of Hewitt all the more baffling.
3

ParisBlue added 19:57 - Jul 20 Good move for him. Hope we have a recall as MM is obviously a fan and he can recognise a decent defender.Surely this means a couple of new defenders about to arrive through the door, a left back top priority.
1

jas0999 added 19:59 - Jul 20 Don't get me wrong, this would be a good move and great experience for him. But, I hope the football club address the defence soon. With Hewitt released, Mings sold and now Clarke potentially out on loan, we are THREE defenders down. The chap from Cardiff has not played a competitive game and can't be taken seriously as a starter this season. With Berra suspended for the first game, Parr picking up niggling injuries (he won't play 46 games) it leaves just Chambers and Smith. Worrying with pre season quickly running out and the new season around the corner. New signings needed and not just loans. Let's start spending the Mings cash.

17

Len_Brennan added 20:08 - Jul 20 This is a good move for Clarke & the club. There are certainly moves afoot to bring in at least one full back & with Yorwerth now at the club (at least as experienced as Clarke) we still have 4 centre halves available. I'm expecting Chambers to be played primarily as a centre half this season.
2

Currie10 added 20:11 - Jul 20 " With his chances similarly set to be limited this season " May I ask why this is the case? From what a lot of us have heard, he's very promising and could play at LB. One year too soon, or not the finished article? Mings went in without much football.
5

floridaboy added 20:38 - Jul 20 For me it's means the club are lining up a left back. Garbutt from Everton maybe
1

Paulblue62 added 20:39 - Jul 20 Would rather he stayed and was given a squad number to compete for a starting spot. Looks a promising player.
3

runaround added 20:45 - Jul 20 Will get him some much needed experience & will be good for him. However this will leave us even shorter of defensive options. I assume Mick is close to bringing in a defender or two. Especially full backs, ideally permanent rather loans. But to me it doesn't matter if they're loans, frees or cost a fee as long as they fit in with the rest of the squad & work hard. Team spirit is more important than costs of transfer

7

mutters added 21:26 - Jul 20 re: Hewitt. I am not sure he was actually good enough to make the grade. One MM does know is defenders and he probably realised that he could get better in the market, either permi or loan from premiership. I wished it had worked out for Hewitt, i had real hope for him. However out of MM and me, i trust Micks judgement more when it comes to evaluating defenders :-)
5

Currie10 added 21:34 - Jul 20 " Garbutt from Everton maybe " Hope so he'd be a massive improvement on Tyrone in my opinion.
1

blueboy1981 added 22:04 - Jul 20 jas0999 ........... spot on with your post - you'll most likely be castigated for raising a query and / or expecting too much .... !!!! Doesn't exactly fill us full of confidence - that is IF we are allowed to expect / want some success this season. Let's just hope 'all will be fine' ........... can't see the Mings purse being opened to be honest - and as you point out - worrying, to at least some of us who expect and want something in the way of success for our Club.

1

footyblue added 22:14 - Jul 20 Why did MM say he would play him if needed then sign Zeki Fryers on loan and play him!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2

Mark added 22:18 - Jul 20 It could be a good move for Matt, giving him some regular first team football. We have to do what is right for his development to benefit most from him in the long term. The odd Carling Cup match isn't enough.
3

Green_Army added 00:10 - Jul 21 Says to me that we are close to signing a full back. Chambers into CB, allowing Smith to act as cover to Berra and Chambers. Chambers will also act as cover for RB if there is an injury with Smith coming back in. Praying it's Luke Garbutt!
0

Sospiri added 00:15 - Jul 21 I would like to see Chambers, Smith and Berra used primarly as centre backs, perhaps rotated, then get in genuine fullbacks, or promote the youngsters.
2

mattfrost216 added 08:58 - Jul 21 Great move for him - and the fact he lives opposite me makes me happier he's potentially going places. Don't forget he'll get a decent run in the league, LC, FA Cup and JPT. 4 competitions there for him - should be a good experience for him. Good luck to him!
2

parhamblue added 14:06 - Jul 21 Ho Hum ... Would much prefer the headline to be "Clarke close to making first Championship start" and I thought he was going to be this season's Bishop. If loaning him out is really the only option, then fine, but I have my doubts unless Mick's immediate plans are for another experienced signing in defence, either permanent or long-term loan. But that still doesn't answer the question about Yorwerth; why sign him when we already have a player of similar experience and arguably greater promise, who happens to be local and progressing through the Academy? I hope he does well at Pompey and it proves to be a springboard for him back where he belongs.

1

fussysnake added 14:45 - Jul 21 Happy with this providing there is a 24 hour recall option.
1

Seasider added 16:17 - Jul 21 Looks certain then that Chambo will be back in his favoured position,and quite likely that we shall be seeing a full back come in by the end of the week.
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