Richard Wright is close to completing a return move to the Blues on a free transfer from Everton. Tabloid reports earlier today linked the former Town keeper with a switch back to Portman Road and TWTD understands that talks are at an advanced and the move is near to completion.
Wright, one of the stars of George Burley's play-off-winning and UEFA Cup-qualifying side, has rarely featured for the Toffees over the last two seasons, playing just 16 games in 2005/06 and only twice this year, having moved to Goodison Park from Arsenal for £3.5 million in July 2002. David Moyes's club have not offered him a new contract.
The 29-year-old left the Blues for Highbury in July 2001 for a fee of £2 million with claims of a £6 million deal being some distance from the truth.
The Ipswich-born keeper's season with Arsenal was viewed as largely unsuccessful, although he picked up both Premiership and FA Cup winner's medals, as well as his second England cap as a sub in a friendly against Holland. Wright's first came during his time with Town, in another friendly in Malta.
We expect Wright's return to be signed and sealed well before pre-season starts on June 12th. Boss Jim Magilton and his staff have given the club's campaign preparations a major overhaul with the players getting back into action earlier than ever before. The initial fortnight will see the players back at Playford Road for three days a week which will then be increased to four, before the squad get back into full training.
The addition of the experienced keeper that Jim Magilton has been considering signing ever since Mike Pollitt's short-lived loan spell in the autumn will probably see one of Town's current glovesmen move on.
Lewis Price looks the more likely of the two to depart as he seeks to cement his place in the Welsh international side. The 22-year-old would almost certainly not want to remain with the Blues as Wright's deputy, having been Town's first choice for most of the last two seasons and with 75 full appearances now under his belt. Price is contracted to Town until June 2008 would command a fee.
Shane Supple, 20 next Friday, would probably be less opposed to Wright's return, given his relative youth for a keeper. The Irishman may feel he will get his chances to play when he looks at Wright's injury record in recent seasons.
Get the fastest and most comprehensive Ipswich Town news service at ipswichtown.footballlatest.co.uk.