Town manager Joe Royle has revealed that he is in talks with out-of-contract Wigan skipper Jason De Vos. A member of Frank Yallop's Canada squad, the central defender is at Portman Road today to discuss a possible move.

Royle told the club site: "Jason is available on a Bosman and is coming down to talk to us about a possible move here.

"He's a player that I have admired for a while, a big commanding central defender and I think he could do the same sort of job that Matt Elliott did for us at the end of last season.

"He was exceptional when he played for Wigan against us at our place and I have made no secret of the fact that I am looking to bring in a new central defender as well as a front player.

"It's by no means anywhere near a done deal, though. Stoke and Cardiff are also interested in talking to him and Wigan have made him an offer to stay there as well.

"We will sit down and talk and see how things go. I'd love to tie something up today but we will have to wait and see how things develop."

De Vos has made 98 senior appearances and has scored 15 goals for the Latics since moving to the JJB Stadium in the summer of 2001 for £500,000.

Prior to that he was a team-mate of Alex Mathie's at Dundee United, having joined them for £400,000 from Darlington in 1998. Before moving to British football in 1996, the 30-year-old played with the London Lasers, Montreal Impact and Kitchener Spirit in his native Canada.

Born in London, Ontario, the 6ft 4in defender has gained more than 40 Canada caps.

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