Town and Portsmouth are continuing to discuss Matt Clarke’s proposed loan move to the League Two side.
The 18-year-old defender impressed as he played the first 74 minutes for Pompey in a 2-1 friendly victory over Coventry City on Tuesday evening.
"We are working our way towards that,” manager Paul Cook told the Portsmouth News.
"We feel there is a deal to be done but I am still having chats with Mick McCarthy so it’s a case of watch this space.”
Following Town’s friendly at Cambridge, McCarthy said he’d be happy to allow Clarke to move to Fratton Park to gain first-team experience.
"I think he’s a very talented player and it was sad last year that he had to stick around and be sixth or seventh defender sometimes," he said.
"I wasn’t really prepared to let him out because we haven’t got that much back-up, but he needs to play, so if Portsmouth do want him [he can go there on loan].
"He played tonight. [Town scout] Taff [Evans] has gone to watch him and we’ll see how he did. If they want him we’ll do something with him.”
Clarke could play for Portsmouth again this evening when they take on Vanarama National League side Woking at Kingfield.
Meanwhile, Colchester United have only a few parking spaces remaining for Tuesday's friendly against the Blues.