Exclusive: Portsmouth make approach to sign Stoke City player

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Published on:

19 Jun 2019, 11:30 am

EXCLUSIVE By Pete O'Rourke

Stoke City have knocked back an approach from Portsmouth to sign giant defender Harry Souttar, Football Insider understands.

The League One club are targeting defensive reinforcements this summer with Matt Clarke on the verge of a move to Premier League Brighton after a £3.9million fee was agreed on Tuesday.

A Portsmouth source has told Football Insider that Souttar is among their top targets to replace Clarke but they have been told by Stoke he is not for sale.

Souttar, who stands at an imposing 6ft 7in, impressed during a spell on loan at Fleetwood Town during the second half of last season and his performances brought him to the attention of Portsmouth.

However, Pompey's enquiry to Stoke about Souttar's possible availability was met with short shrift by Stoke and their manager Nathan Jones.

They have been told the Australia international is highly rated by the Potters club and Jones has big plans for him next season.

The 20-year-old, who joined Stoke from Dundee United in 2016, has made two first-team appearances for the club in the EFL Cup and he will be hoping to get the chance to establish himself in the new campaign.

In other Stoke City news, it can be REVEALED that the club are in advanced talks to sign a 25-year-old from London club.

Stoke City

Portsmouth