Exclusive: Portsmouth set to sign Ben Thompson on season-long loan – with Millwall adding ex-Reading and Bolton midfielder to ranks

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Millwall midfielder Ben Thompson is joining Portsmouth on a season-long loan – with the Championship side moving to add Jem Karacan as cover in that area of the pitch on a short-term deal

Thompson always looked set to make a temporary exit from the Lions as he has dropped down the pecking order since promotion from League One. He did start Tuesday night’s League Cup win over Gillingham.

A number of League One sides were interested in the tigerish 22-year-old but Kenny Jackett – a former Millwall manager – has won the race for his services.

The Lions do not want to be left short in that area – with boss Neil Harris telling the South London Press yesterday that any exits would see a replacement brought in.

Catford-born Karacan, 29, has previously had a loan spell with Millwall and is a free agent after leaving Bolton Wanderers. His deal runs until January.

MAIN PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD