Bristol City defender Ryley Towler is close to completing a shock transfer to League One Portsmouth, Bristol Live understands, in what would be the first significant piece of business for the Robins in this transfer window.
Towler has spent the first half of the season on loan at AFC Wimbledon in League Two and impressed over his 17 appearances under Johnnie Jackson and the expectation heading into January was that the 20-year-old would complete the campaign in south London.
However, Pompey’s bid - believed to be a low six-figure fee with future incentives - has persuaded City to cut short his loan spell and sanction a sale and the defender is in talks over a long-term contract. The decision now lies in Towler's hands.