Harry Clarke is close to signing for Ross County on loan, according to various reports, after featuring for the Arsenal first-team in pre-season.

On Wednesday night, the Daily Record and The Inverness Courier reported that Ross County were closing in on a loan deal for Harry Clarke.

The Daily Record write that Ross County have held talks with Arsenal, and they’re just waiting for the green light. The Inverness Courier suggest they’re hoping to complete the loan signing early next week.

From Arsenal’s end, Chris Wheatley then confirmed the reports, writing on Twitter that Clarke is close to signing for the Scottish Premiership club.

The loan would be a step up from last season, which Clarke spent in League Two with Oldham Athletic. That was the central defender’s first loan spell, and it went well as he made 35 appearances, but this loan should provide him with tougher tests.

Clarke obviously got a taste of Scottish football with Arsenal in pre-season, travelling with the group up to Edinburgh and playing 45 minutes against Hibs. Now he’ll be hoping to prove himself on a weekly basis.

The 20-year-old was always likely to go out on loan this summer, having been added to Arsenal’s loan list they distributed around the UK.

Nikolaj Moller is another from the list who has already secured a loan move. The other six are still waiting at this stage.