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.