Pompey Pull Plug on Begovic Deal

Bristol City boss Gary Johnson has revealed that a loan deal to bring Asmir Begovic to Ashton Gate has broken down.

Johnson has been on the hunt for goalkeeping cover ever since Adriano Basso was placed on the transfer list at his own request last month.

But Pompey have backed out of a deal for the Canadian Under-20 keeper at the 11th hour after their first choice stopper David James was injured in last Saturday’s game with Arsenal.

Begovic, who enjoyed a good loan-spell with Yeovil last season, replaced James with 15 minutes to go during the defeat at the Emirates and now looks like having an extended run in the side with the South-Coast side.

“We were looking at bringing in Asmir Begovic on loan from Portsmouth but they kept holding off going through with the deal,” Johnson told bcfc.co.uk.

“Then on Saturday David James got injured against Arsenal and Begovic came on, so he’s no longer an option.”

Johnson also stated that want-away keeper Basso still wants a move, despite failing to attract one single bidder since rejecting a new contract.

“When we speak to Adriano it’s still the same answer,” added Johnson.

“He wants to get a move and we’ll have to wait and see if something happens before the transfer window closes.

“If he doesn’t get his move before the closure of the window then we’ll have to speak again and see if he feels the same.“

Basso has also been made available for loan in a bid to attract potential suitors, but has failed to generate any interest.