Portsmouth agree Waddingham deal

Portsmouth have agreed a deal to sign Australia Under-23 striker Thomas Waddingham, BBC Radio Solent reports.

The 19-year-old has four goals in 11 appearances this season for the Brisbane Roar in the Australian A League.

As an under-21 player Waddingham will not count towards Portsmouth's 25 man squad limit.

The Blues have already signed defender Rob Atkinson and Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden on loan so far in the January transfer window.

Waddingham has been at the Roar through their academy sides and has made 34 appearances for them in the A League, scoring 11 goals.

He has also been capped and scored twice for Australia's U20's side.

'Waddingham a long-term prospect'

BBC Radio Solent's Portsmouth commentator Andrew Moon:

While most of Portsmouth's January business is focused on the short-term and staying in the Championship, Waddingham is a long-term prospect.

The club won't be loaning him out and he'll have the chance to impress in training and force his way into the side, although dislodging Colby Bishop given how he's playing is a huge challenge.

Pompey have landed a much coveted young player and even with Championship survival on the line aren't abandoning their strategy of trying to sign young players who they can develop and improve.