Bristol Rovers and James Belshaw are nearing a contract agreement, Bristol Live understands.
The Harrogate Town goalkeeper has spent two weeks on trial with Rovers with a view to a permanent move, and he impressed manager Joey Barton with his performance in Saturday's pre-season friendly draw with Plymouth Argyle.
Barton said after the game he "might have a bit of positive news" for Belshaw if the price was right, and talks between the parties are said to be going well with a final agreement close.
Should Belshaw sign on the dotted line, he will fill a crucial vacancy in Barton's squad.
Rovers are in need of a back-up keeper to cover Anssi Jaakkola, while aiding the development of teenager Jed Ward, who is on the radar of England coaches after taking part in a training squad at St George's Park in May.
Jaakkola's stints away on international duty, coupled with the two significant injuries he has suffered in the past two years, have placed added importance on Rovers' goalkeeping depth.
And both times Jaakkola was ruled out for months with injury, Rovers delved into the transfer market to acquire more experienced options – Jamal Blackman and Joe Day – on loan in favour of trusting the likes of Jordi van Stappershoef or Alexis Andre Jr.
That will no longer be necessary should Rovers tie up an agreement with Belshaw, who at 30 years old has a healthy bank of experience behind him.
He has played close to 200 games for Harrogate across a four-year spell, serving as the number-one keeper for the Sulphurites in their promotions from the National League North and National League to make the EFL for the first time in their history.
Belshaw played 38 times for Harrogate last season, keeping 11 clean sheets, and is free to pursue other opportunities after being stripped of the number one shirt by boss Simon Weaver this summer following the signing of Mark Oxley.
