Portsmouth are edging closer to completing a loan deal for Nottingham Forest midfielder Ryan Yates, according to reports from Mirror Sport.

The 21-year-old has been frozen out at the City Ground having made just one appearance for Forest this season, which came in the Carabao Cup, and looks extremely likely to depart the club on loan in January.

The midfielder has been linked with a move to Fratton Park for a month or so now, however, it looked as if a deal was nowhere near materialising, with Pompey boss Kenny Jackett recently stating that Yates wasn’t on the club’s January wish-list.

But reports have now surfaced that Pompey are poised to finalise a loan move for Yates ready for the 1st of January - the two clubs have had successful talks and the youngster was believed to be present at Fratton Park as Pompey defeated promotion rivals Sunderland last week.

Yates was sensational on loan for Notts County and Scunthorpe United last term, where his performances in midfield helped guide the latter to a League One play-off semi-final finish.

Pompey, despite a recent 2-0 defeat to Gillingham, still sit top of League One with a trip to Fleetwood on the horizon.

The Verdict

Yates has been linked with a move to Portsmouth for what seems an age, but if reports from the Mirror are to be believed, then Pompey have an incredible signing on their hands.

He wears his heart on his sleeve and provides real fight in the middle of the park, and will look to prove a point after being frozen out at Forest.

Pompey fans will be praying that the deal gets done, and fast.

Thoughts? Let us know!