MORTON boss Anton McElhone is close to completing a move for former Liverpool prospect and Barnet 'keeper Jamie Stephens, the Tele can reveal.

The Tele understands that Stephens attended Wednesday night’s draw against Inverness Caley Thistle.

The 27-year-old would come to Cappielow with a high pedigree, having progressed through the ranks at Melwood, before spells at Newport County and Barnet, where he won the League Two club's 2016–17 player of the year award.

Stephens would add some much-needed experience as well as cover for Aidan McAdams in between the sticks, with the 20-year-old the club's only senior goalkeeper since his arrival from Rangers in the summer.

Morton sign young Spurs striker

It is understood that the English shotstopper could also carry out a playing-coaching role if a deal is agreed.

Morton boss McElhone told the Tele yesterday that he hoped to have some business concluded in the next few days, with the deadline for permanent signings ending last night.

Clubs have the option to bring in domestic players on loan until the end of the month, with up to six loan places available.

Ton have been hampered by the departures of loanees Ross MacIver and Josh McPake, leaving them light in the striking department, as well as the shock retirement of long-standing skipper Jim McAlister on Saturday.

It is understood that the Ton hierarchy are looking to bring in Livingston's Salim Kouider-Aissa on loan.

The 24-year-old joined Livi in the summer after a prolific campaign with junior side Kilsyth Rangers and a successful stint at Queen's Park last season.

Kouider-Aissa scored 17 times for the Spiders before impressing on trial at the West Lothian side.

The striker went on loan to Partick Thistle at the start of this season, but his stint at the League One club was hampered by injury and he only made three appearances for the Jags.