Highly-rated Newcastle United youngster Sean Longstaff is set to join League One side Portsmouth on a six-month loan deal, according to the Chronicle.
The regional newspaper report that the 20-year-old central midfielder was being chased by several Championship clubs but has decided that a stint at Pompey is the best move for him.
The Chronicle claim that Portsmouth have provided guarantees to the youngster about game time, with the club set to be one of the favourites for promotion in the third tier next season.
Good move for Newcastle United?
Yes.
Longstaff has been regarded as one of the club’s most-exciting prospects for a while now, and started living up to those expectations with a successful spell at Blackpool last season.
The move to Portsmouth represents a decent step up for the 20-year-old, who will be playing in front of around 18,000 people every week at an ambitious club.
This looks a brilliant move in his development and Newcastle should massively benefit, with the six-month time frame allowing them to reassess in January.
Nothing but Newcastle rating: 9/10
Likely to happen?
This one is not quite completed, but it looks as though it is close.
The Chronicle claim that sources close to Portsmouth are confident they are in pole position to sign Longstaff, and that should see them seal the loan deal soon, barring a last-minute change of heart.
Expect this one to be announced very soon.
Nothing but Newcastle rating: 8/10
