Reports this evening claim that Sampdoria keeper Matteo Sereni has agreed terms with Town with a fee of £4.5 million expected to be agreed between the two teams.

It appears that the keeper is to sign a four-year contract at Portman Road. Sampdoria, these days in Serie B, are cash-strapped and need to cash in on the keeper.

25-year-old Sereni has spent most his career with the Genoa side, although he has spent short spells with Crevalcore (95/96), Piacenza (97/98) and Empoli (98/99). He made his debut in a 0-0 draw with Cremonese in September 1995.

Born in Parma, he has also played three times for the Italian U21 side, making his debut in a 2-0 win against Bulgaria in December 1995.

He was on a lucrative contract with Sampdoria until 2004, but he was no longer happy at the club.

He was previously linked with moves to Fiorentina, Barcelona and Chelsea.

If all is complete the Italian could well start at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

Photo: Action Images

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