Matt Clarke set for Portsmouth exit after undergoing Brighton medical

Pompey’s central-defender is today undergoing a medical at the Premier League club ahead of completing a move.

Negotiations are continuing over the size of the fee, which will represent the Blues' biggest sale for more than nine years.

However, with the transfer now seen as a formality, it is understood Pompey are comfortable with Clarke carrying out his medical with the Seagulls.

Initially a clutch of clubs were interested in recruiting the 22-year-old.

Yet Brighton have long been the favoured destination of Clarke, with new boss Graham Potter adamant he wanted the former Ipswich player as his first signing.

It is unclear when the deal will be completed, although the Tractor Boys are entitled to 20 per cent of the transfer fee when eventually settled.

Clarke has made 175 appearances and scored nine times for Pompey after initially arriving on loan in July 2015.

That stay became permanent in June 2016, Pompey receiving him in a part-exchange plus cash deal, with Adam Webster going to Portman Road.

During his four Fratton Park seasons, Clarke established himself as an outstanding performer, crowned with The News/Sports Mail’s Player of the Season for the last two years.

Demonstrating significant improvement during each campaign, last term was his finest yet – sealing his impending exit to Brighton.

Named in the PFA League One Team of the Season and the Sky Bet Team of the Season, the youngster’s talents had become well-known within football.

And now he is on his way to the Premier League.