Portsmouth look set to sign Shrewsbury defender James Bolton on a free transfer as reported by the Shropshire Star.
The twenty-four-year-old full-back made eighty-five appearances in two years for the Shrews but is out of contract and poised to sign for Portsmouth the report claims.
The path from Shrewsbury to Portsmouth is well-trodden in the last twelve months with Bolton set to join ex-Shrews Bryn Morris and Craig MacGillivray at Fratton Park.
Shrewsbury boss Sam Ricketts was keen to extend Bolton’s stay in Shropshire and hoped his vision for the club would persuade the versatile defender that he could fulfil his ambitions at the Montgomery Waters Meadow.
However, it now seems negotiations over a new contract have broken down, and a favourite player of the Salop faithful has decided his future lay on the South Coast.
The former Stoke youngster, who joined from non-league Gateshead in 2017, scored the winner when the Shrews beat Pompey at Fratton Park in January 2018 and is being eyed by Pompey as a replacement for Nathan Thompson who is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal.
Our View
An excellent and solid signing for Kenny Jackett which looks like it signals the end to Nathan Thompson’s spell at Fratton Park.
Bolton’s highly regarded at Shrewsbury and many fans will be bitterly disappointed to see him go.
His popularity should tell Pompey fans they have signed an outstanding League One full-back as they look to get back in the Championship next season.
He is young and ambitious and could become a star at Fratton Park.
