Released Charlton keeper Ben Roberts is the latest player to be linked with Town. The Addicks gave a free transfer to the 27-year-old last week after a three-year spell in which he spent a number of spells on loan.

Joe Royle is keen to bring a new keeper to Portman Road without paying a fee
and Roberts, who played for Middlesbrough in the 1997 FA Cup Final, looks an ideal candidate. The Bishops Auckland-born player finally made his Charlton debut as a sub in their final game of last season.

Royle's preferred targets are understood to be Birmingham's Ian Bennett and Everton's Paul Gerrard, however it is looking increasingly likely that neither player will take the drop in wages required to make the switch to Town.

During his time with Boro and Charlton, Roberts had loans with Brighton, Luton, Reading, Millwall, Bradford, Wycombe and Hartlepool.

The 6' 1" stopper was last in action at Portman Road in April when a Charlton reserves side was beaten 2-1.

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