TWTD understands Town are close to landing Portsmouth central defender Adam Webster in a deal which would see Matt Clarke, who has spent the season on loan at Fratton Park, move in the opposite direction.

We understand Webster, who is contracted to Pompey until June 2017 and even with Clarke's involvement will have cost the Blues a fee, is due to undergo a Town medical today, having been amongst the younger players manager Mick McCarthy targeted in January when the clubs were unable to agree a fee.

The right-sided defender has also attracted interest from elsewhere this season, having established himself at centre-half, after previously operating largely as a full-back.

The 21-year-old joined Portsmouth aged 12 and came through the ranks at Fratton Park, making his senior debut as a 17-year-old in January 2012 during their time in the Championship in a 1-0 home defeat to West Ham.

The 6ft 3in tall defender spent 2013/14 on loan at Aldershot, making 24 starts for the Vanarama National League side.

Webster, from West Wittering near Chichester, has now made 60 starts and 21 sub appearances for Portsmouth, scoring five goals. He has been capped by England at U18 and U19 levels.

We understand Barham-born Clarke is set to join Pompey on a permanent basis, having spent the whole of 2015/16 on loan at Pompey, making 30 starts and three sub appearances, scoring once.

The central defender or midfielder came through Town’s academy and made one Capital One Cup start and four Championship sub appearances for the Blues.

Clarke's exit will come as a surprise with Blues boss Mick McCarthy having previously said that he viewed him very much as one for the future and part of his plans for next season.

Photo: Action Images

Gates2Reuser added 07:32 - May 20 I remember him from the home cup game. He looked really comfortable on the ball and in the second half particularly was knocking it round well. Would be a very good prospect and perhaps a new centre back pairing of Digby and Webster is on the cards?
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DiamondGezzer added 07:38 - May 20 Didn't Clarke say on his return, something on the lines of " Don't be surprised if I go back " ? Or am I dreaming. Maybe his wish instigated this. Welcome Adam !
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brazilblue added 07:43 - May 20 some comments from the pompey forum: "Agreed 400k and Clarke is a great offer. Although seems a bit to good to be true" "Think thats a good deal.IMO Webbo had a good season but I still think Whats is better and Clarke has more potential" "Offer is far too good to turn down" "Good business. Clarke in return and £400k!" "Webbo has some finesse to his game where as clarke is just a thumper.. Webbo gets forward clarke doesnt.Webbo definitely has more potential than clarke (hence why ipswich want him and not clarke)" "Would need at least 1/2 mill plus clarke to be a good deal imo" "Don't know who you've been watching Bedblockers, Clarke loves to get forward. He isn't as quick as Webbo but he's a hell of a lot stronger"

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brazilblue added 07:45 - May 20 seems like webster is a more accomplished, ball playing version of clarke, we shall seee...
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BlueMachines added 08:07 - May 20 Where has this myth appeared that MM always gets his business done early? He waits and waits to see what frrebies he can pick up then we end of with Coke, Toure standard etc.
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tractorshark added 08:29 - May 20 I have quite a few friends who are Pompey season ticket holders and they are gutted. Webster is one of their best players - big, strong and good on the ball. He broke into their first team quite young, I think. They also tell me he is far better than Clarke, who didn't play week in week out. I don't think they're unhappy to get him in return but I can assure they think we've got the better deal. They also believe if they had been promoted, it wouldn't have happened.

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Daleyitfc added 08:52 - May 20 You can't trust anything MM says : has always been the case.
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Dissboyitfc added 08:56 - May 20 Crawfordsboot, Mick may well have been an international CB, but it was his desision to play two left footers in central defence and our right footed CB at RB. Which left us totally unbalanced, i rest my case. That said i hope this signing is a step in the right direction to sorting that scenario out, we'll see.
4

blueherts added 09:01 - May 20 Bradshaw from Walsall - we need a striker who knows where the net is and def a creative type Pompey mate is gutted as rates Webster more than Clarke
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PompeyLad added 10:25 - May 20 Hi guys, Pompey supporter here (hence the name). I just wanted to assure you that MM has made a good decision here. I have been lucky enough to watch both Webster and Clarke this season and I rate both of them. I see that a lot of you are questioning the deal and not seeing a point, which I appreciate. However, What you gaining in Webster is a more experienced and athletic defender whose ability on the ball is ridiculous! He's a real ball playing defender and will find that crucial tackle when needed. Honestly, you'll see MM's rationale once you've seen him play. I think it's a great deal for both clubs as I really rate Clarke too.. We need a no nonsense defender just like him. Good luck for next season. BLUE is the colour

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vanmunt added 10:51 - May 20 Nice words PompeyLad, good luck for next season, hope you guys get back where you belong. I am gob smacked we are getting things sorted so early, disappointing not to be seeing Clarke break into first team but I trust MM in letting players go more than than the Dark Lord and Jewell...
2

rugbytomc added 20:45 - May 20 WHY????!!!! We have Berra and smith, then chambo can play there too. Then digby then youngsters Clarke and Robinson so why would we then strengthen the one position we do actually have strength in depth?! Unless one of smith/Berra/chambers is going then I don't see the point
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phillo added 11:11 - May 21 All this talk of needing a RB - sorry did I miss something ...... didn't we have a young RB by the name of Emmanuel who is coming through & played excellently at the end of the season !!!! We moan about Mick not giving youth a chance & then many on this site dismiss them !
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Dissboyitfc added 14:55 - May 22 Phillo..if MM considers Chambers first Choice and doesnt consider Emanuel as first choice which i suspect will be the case, then yes we desperately need RB. Chambers is no RB, with so much to play for you would think square pegs in square holes is the only way forward. Personally i hope Emanuel gets the nod, he is raw but a proper RB who will only get better with game time!

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