TWTD understands that Town are close to making former Colchester United and Bristol City keeper Dean Gerken their fifth signing of the summer. As we revealed on Saturday, the 28-year-old free agent is currently training with the Blues in Ireland, having been released by the Robins at the end of last season.

Gerken, from Rochford in Essex, began his career as a youth player with Southend before moving on to the U’s in 2002.

After seven years with Colchester — during which time he spent a short spell on loan with Darlington — the 6ft 4in tall keeper moved on to Bristol City for an undisclosed fee in June 2009.

While at Ashton Gate he made 60 appearances, having been former England keeper David James’s deputy for much of the time.

Blues fans will recall his outstanding performance to earn his side a 0-0 draw at Portman Road in February 2010.

Gerken could be involved in Saturday's first friendly of pre-season against Shelbourne at Tolka Park, Dublin (KO 5pm).

Having released Arran Lee-Barrett - who we understand trained with the Blues last week - and Jason Brown at the end of the season, Scott Loach is currently Town’s only senior goalkeeper and at least one new keeper is on manager Mick McCarthy’s summer wish list.

Former loanee Stephen Henderson was targeted for a season-long loan last month but Town and West Ham were unable to agree terms on a deal.

Photo: Action Images

pazelle added 14:41 - Jul 4 Nice!
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Marshalls_Mullet added 14:42 - Jul 4 Good backup for Loach. Seem to recall him having a good spell a few years back.
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walberswick added 14:42 - Jul 4 good signing but make sure there's no 24 hr recall to the Jobcentre
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JimmyJazz added 14:43 - Jul 4 Possibly Skuse, Gerken and Anderson. Seems we found last season's Bristol City squad rather interesting
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walberswick added 14:49 - Jul 4 we are the new bristol city/ colchester
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CornardBlue added 14:54 - Jul 4 Would be very good signing, give as two good keepers and both at good age where they can improve and challenge each other for 1st team place.
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Wickets added 14:59 - Jul 4 I remember him having an outstanding game at Portman RD season before last i think, he was unbeatable in front of the north stand, 0-0 draw i think.
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Marcus added 15:07 - Jul 4 I'm sure he'll relish the chance.
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runningout added 15:10 - Jul 4 Loach NOT done it for me to be first choice keeper...
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marcusevans added 15:14 - Jul 4 I'm lovin' it
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Michael11 added 15:20 - Jul 4 Decent back up to Loach. Would still like to see Henderson on a year long loan as our number 1 though.
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BlueBoots added 15:49 - Jul 4 ***** Big Mac and Gerken to discuss deal ***** Lettuce hope there's no beef over the terms of the contract...
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dommyboyblue added 15:56 - Jul 4 Well that will get us out of the goalkeeping pickle.
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Seasider added 15:58 - Jul 4 Does this mean we wont be seeing Henderson again?Presumably cheap option unless MM couldn't remove 24hr recall clause on Hendo!
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alexsmith111 added 16:05 - Jul 4 Brilliant backup, similar standard to loach so will be clucking at his heels. 2 good keepers
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battyblue added 16:06 - Jul 4 Ok i suppose with all these links with bristol city as long as we don't follow them to league 1 next season with what we have at the moment i will predict mid table finish forget top two..
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Blue_Again added 16:06 - Jul 4 i'll 'preserve' my judgement....
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NW10_Tractor added 16:08 - Jul 4 I mentioned that we should have got him years ago... finally!! Good, solid, confident, vocal, commanding keeper that will certainly put pressure on the number 1 spot...
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Marshalls_Mullet added 16:09 - Jul 4 Battyblue? Top 2? What planet are you on to have ever had that kind of expectation? Poison.
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Garv added 16:28 - Jul 4 Good competition for Loach.
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jas0999 added 16:56 - Jul 4 Although unpopular on here - presumably as he 'supports' ITFC - but Loach isn't good enough. Decent shot stopper, but can't hold a ball or control his area. Also flaps far too much. We seriously need a better No. 1 if we are going to challenge this season. However, I fully accept this is a minority view on here. But, the purpose of this board is to state opinions!
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planetblue_2011 added 17:19 - Jul 4 Good signing, not bad back up, hope he can push loachy for a number 1 spot.
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arc added 17:28 - Jul 4 That same dangling participle keeps returning in story after story: "Having released Arran Lee-Barrett and Jason Brown at the end of the season, Scott Loach..." I'm amazed that Loach was allowed to release his rivals! ;-)
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Bergholtblue added 17:47 - Jul 4 or.....Loach is a good back up for Gerken
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paulnstar added 18:07 - Jul 4 bergholtblue right on the money get ready for numb bum loach gerkens far better than him
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