The deal which will see Portsmouth’s Adam Webster join Town and Matt Clarke and a significant fee move in the opposite direction is now set to be confirmed early next week, TWTD understands.

The deal, which TWTD first reported more than a week ago, is essentially done but with some minor paperwork relating to the switch still currently outstanding. That is likely to be completed early next week with the clubs expected to announce the signings on Tuesday, with Monday a bank holiday.

We also understand the fee that the Blues will pay Pompey - in addition to 19-year-old Clarke moving to Fratton Park - is significantly higher than the £500,000 previously reported.

It will be the highest fee Town have spent since Mick McCarthy took over as Town boss in November 2012, eclipsing the £350,000 paid to Danish side Esbjerg fB for left-back Jonas Knudsen last summer.

Webster, a 21-year-old right-sided centre-half or full-back who McCarthy initially tried to sign in January, 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 ball-playing defender spent 2013/14 on loan at Aldershot, making 24 starts for the Vanarama National League side.

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

Barham-born Clarke 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.

Photo: Action Images

harlingblue added 03:25 - May 28 A back four of Chambers, Webster, Smith and Knudsen would be a fine defensive line-up for me. Smith back on his natural side would be far more comfortable and could link well with Knudsen on the left, while Chambers could flourish with Webster as a natural right footed covering defender.
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ChrisFelix added 07:52 - May 28 I always thought that wrights mentor was Phil parkes, not webster
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Marcus added 08:51 - May 28 @chrishants - whenever a commentator says we have 'a strong bench', I think that's because we needed one when Parkes was our reserve keeper ;)
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chepstowblue added 12:55 - May 29 Can the lad 'wellie' the ball? A prerequisite for a Town defender nowadays. Handy if we do the soccer am crossbar challenge also !
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Razor added 10:10 - May 30 Mick is a srange one----talks about his priorites being in midfield and then goes out and gets a centre half----I know it is about availability etc and I expect some more comings and goings before July 18. I fully agree with comments on Kelvin Davies by the way---he never wanted to leave us in the first place and I would certainly welcome him back.
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peteswindon added 10:24 - Jun 1 Whats happening on this deal ?
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Cakeman added 09:28 - Jun 2 Odd that this has not yet been concluded?
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