Portsmouth are set to sign Shrewsbury Town defender James Bolton on a free transfer, according to reports from the Shropshire Star.

The 24-year-old has become a real fans' favourite at the Shropshire club since signing from National League side Gateshead in 2017, making 85 appearances in all competitions over the last two years.

The right-back made 41 appearances for Salop this season, playing an important role in helping Sam Ricketts' side avoid the drop to League One, as they finished 18th in the league standings.

But with his contract set to expire at Montgomery Waters Meadow at the end of the month, it is believed that Pompey are set to win the race to sign the defender on a free transfer.

Kenny Jackett's side missed out on promotion to the Championship last season after losing to Sunderland in the play-off semi-finals, and will be looking to strengthen their side as they look to go one step further next term.

The South Coast club have offered a new deal to regular full-back Nathan Thompson, but will look to strengthen that particular area of the pitch by signing Bolton.

Shrewsbury fans will be sick of the sight of Portsmouth, having seen Craig MacGillivray and Bryn Morris both leave Salop for Fratton Park over the last year.

The Verdict

Pompey definitely need another right-back, and Bolton is arguably one of the most impressive in League One.

For a free transfer, it's definitely a risk-free signing, and it's one that will be very useful to Kenny Jackett's side this season.

He loves to bomb forward and get amongst the attacks, but he's also very solid defensively, which is what he's paid to do.