Portsmouth manager John Mousinho has revealed the Blues are closing in on a goalkeeper to provide first-team competition for Will Norris.
As reported by The News, this will allow Toby Steward to join Gosport Borough, whilst Josh Oluwayemi is attracting interest from Chelmsford City.
The 37-year-old boss is confident of announcing his 12th summer signing before Tuesday’s friendly against AFC Wimbledon.
If a deal can be stuck on time for the shot-stopper, who is said to be young but with Football League experience, he will share goalkeeping duties with Norris for Pompey’s final two friendlies, as they wrap up pre-season on the South coast against Bristol City on Saturday.
Norris spent the second-half of last season on loan at League One rivals Peterborough United, before signing a three-year deal at Fratton Park after leaving Burnley in the summer.
The 29-year-old played 91 minutes during Portsmouth’s recent 9-1 thrashing of Crawley Town, with Oluwayemi making up the remainder of the 120 minutes at the Copnor Road training ground.
Meanwhile, Steward featured as a trialist for Gosport in their 3-1 victory over Horndean.
Mousinho has presented the strategy to his two young ‘keepers, who he thinks will benefit from a full season out on loan.
Tottenham academy graduate Oluwayemi has made just four League One appearances, with the 22-year-old also appearing once for Maidenhead United in the National League.
Eighteen-year-old Steward is yet to play a competitive fixture for the Hampshire-based outfit, with Mousinho deciding it is necessary to add some experience to his ranks.
What’s been said?
The Isleworth-born head coach told The News: “We are in talks with a goalkeeper and quite far advanced, so hopefully that player can get minutes on Tuesday and also Saturday.
“He’s not particularly old, but has experience of playing in the Football League.
“That will also mean we can get Josh and Toby out on loan. We’ve talked about the strategy with goalkeepers, we want to get the two goalkeepers out on loan so they can have the full season.
“However, we then need someone that can come in and has played some league games.
Writer’s View
It’s a sensible approach from the former Oxford United and Burton Albion midfielder to enforce the goalkeeping department, as an injury or suspension to Norris could derail their campaign for promotion.
The decision as to who would played between the sticks has clearly been a key area that needed addressing this summer, as Portsmouth have relied heavily on the loan market in recent seasons. If they are to go for the loan route again, it would be best they provide back-up to the permanent fixture of Norris, if they are to achieve their lofty goals for this season.
