Derry City winger Ronan Curtis will head to Portsmouth ahead of a possible move to Fratton Park but they face competition from Reading, according to The Derry Journal.

Curtis has been expected to complete his move to Portsmouth soon but a second English club have entered the race, with the Journal reporting that it is Championship outfit Reading.

Derry City chairman Philip O'Doherty confirmed that Curtis is heading to Portsmouth to have talks over a move.

He said: “As far as I’m aware, Ronan will travel over to Portsmouth on Tuesday (today) to meet with club officials and have a look around the area.

“We have been in discussions with Portsmouth and have agreed to maintain confidentiality in respect of any possible transfer fee.

“Another English club has made contact with us but, at this stage, I’m not prepared to identify that club as I feel it would disrespectful."

The Journal believes that this unnamed Championship side is Reading.

And they are also reporting that Portsmouth's bid for the 22-year-old is a six-figure fee plus add-ons.

Portsmouth are still the favourites to land the Republic of Ireland under-21 winger, though, with Kenny Jackett keen to get this one over the line.

The Verdict

Curtis is highly-rated in Ireland and he needs to make the correct career move to England.

He is still very young and perhaps a year in League One would help his development more as he might not get as much game time at Reading.

But Pompey's willingness to splash a six-figure sum on the Irish starlet shows just how highly they think of him.

Portsmouth and Reading fans - Would you like your club to sign Curtis? Let us know below...