League One outfit Portsmouth are closing in on the signing of West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Josh Griffiths on a loan deal, according to TalkSPORT's Alex Crook.

Pompey have a vacancy to fill in-between their sticks, with last year's Player of the Season Gavin Bazunu heading back to Manchester City following the end of his own temporary stint at Fratton Park - he has subsequently joined bitter rivals Southampton on a permanent deal.

And Danny Cowley looks to be replacing him with Griffiths, who has considering EFL experience despite his young age.

 

 

 

 

The 20-year-old has already been out on loan to both Cheltenham Town and Lincoln City in his short career, featuring 44 times in League Two for the Robins during the 2020-21 campaign as they were promoted from the fourth tier.

Griffiths then stepped up to League One with the Imps this past season, playing 33 times in the league before an injury curtailed his campaign in March.

With David Button and Alex Palmer set to battle it out for the starting spot at The Hawthorns this season though, it has left Griffiths needing to seek game-time elsewhere as Pompey look set to utilise the loan market yet again for the youngster's signature.

The Verdict

This could be a really smart signing for Portsmouth.

They know first-hand what a loan goalkeeper from a higher level can do for them, as proven with what Bazunu showed last season, and Griffiths brings a similar level of experience to the table.

He has been impressive in his short career so far and moving to a club like Portsmouth is the natural next step in his development.

After this next loan stint, should Portsmouth seal the deal, then he may be ready to have a crack at being West Brom's number one in 2023.