Cheltenham Town are thought to be close to completing a loan move for West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Josh Griffiths.
The 18-year-old prospect, who stands 6ft 6in, is expected to come in as first choice, with regular number one Scott Flinders still struggling on his comeback from a broken leg suffered against Oldham Athletic on January 4.
Cheltenham have been running the rule over at least two other young goalkeepers from Premier League clubs, but Griffiths has emerged as the most likely replacement for Flinders.
The Robins are also set to bring in another youngster to provide back-up and competition.
Griffiths appeared at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium for his parent club in a 4-3 behind-closed-doors friendly win on January 23.
He joined the Baggies at the age of 10 after being spotted at Allan Hawkins’ goalkeeping academy in Ledbury and he has previously played for Pegasus Juniors in his home city of Hereford.
His form for West Brom’s youth team earned a call-up to the England Under-18s squad in March 2019 and he started in a 3-2 UAE Sports Chain Cup win over Mexico in Dubai.
Griffiths was the subject of interest from top flight clubs during West Brom’s time in the Championship, but they won promotion back to the Premier League as runners-up to champions Leeds United in 2019/20.
He signed a four-year contract with the Baggies in September 2019, shortly after returning from a spell training with England Under-20s.
At the time, West Brom’s senior goalkeeping coach Gary Walsh told the club’s official website: “Apart from his potential, he’s a terrific lad who is really grounded and that’s a big credit to him, the club and everyone who has worked with him.
“He’s working alongside the three senior keepers now and he is like a sponge listening to all their advice.
“They want to help him because he is such a genuine young man. The biggest compliment I can pay him is that I keep forgetting he’s 18.
“His potential is there for us all to see – but now he has got to keep working and I am sure he will do.”
Cheltenham already have one West Brom youngster on their books, with midfielder Finn Azaz joining on a season-long loan.
