Portsmouth are in advanced talks to sign Burnley goalkeeper Will Norris, as reported by Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider.
The 29-year-old will depart Burnley at the end of his contract later this month which has alerted a number of clubs who are interested in the keeper’s signature. Pompey are looking to strengthen their goalkeeping options, as they continue to bolster their squad for a promotion push next season.
The former Wolves keeper, who spent three years at the Molineux, made just three appearances during his time at Turf Moor, before he spent the second half of last season on loan at Peterborough. Throughout his time with Wolves, he made eight appearances and kept six clean sheets, as well as spending a year on loan at Ipswich Town before switching to Turf Moor. His loan stint with Peterborough saw him make 24 appearances for the Posh, keeping 11 clean sheets, with the team reaching the playoffs where they were eliminated by Sheffield Wednesday in a thrilling two legged encounter.
For Portsmouth, they will need options, both sides in this deal are looking to strengthen their goalkeeping department, with Norris heading out the Turf Moor exit and for Pompey, goalkeeper Matt Macey’s loan spell came to an end and the possibility of that becoming a permanent deal was diminished by parent club Luton Town’s promotion to the Premier League. Former Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Joshua Oluwayemi made the move to the South Coast. Meanwhile, Burnley already have an incoming goalkeeper also, as they look set to complete the signing of three time Leyton Orient Player of the Year Laurence Vigouroux.
Last campaign, Portsmouth finished eighth in League One, six points behind Derby County in seventh, who missed out on the playoffs on goal difference on the final day. Portsmouth boss John Mousinho will be looking to improve on that, as the club seek a return to the Championship, they are already boosted by numerous factors which appear to be working in their favour as they build their squad for next season, with Manchester United loanee Di’Shon Bernard’s contract with the Premier League giants coming to an end. Mousinho has spoken previously of his ambition to make the defender’s stay at Fratton Park permanent.
Writer’s View
Portsmouth will be looking to rebuild next year and a player with experience at a higher level is something that can help them achieve their ambitions. In recent years, the side have relied heavily on loan signings in the goalkeeping department, as proven by Matt Macey’s spell with the club, prior to that, West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Josh Griffiths was their keeper first half of the season, before being recalled by the Championship side after 28 appearances on the South Coast. The reliance on loaning goalkeeper’s is something that should be addressed if they are to achieve their goals.
