Hartlepool's Tommy Miller is to have talks at Portman Road today after the two clubs agreed a fee, thought to be around £800,000. But Town hope that this isn't where the spending is going to stop. George Burley has said that he is about to sign another, far higher profile player.
Burley said yesterday: "We are a long way down the line in talks with a player who is an outstanding international. We hope to complete a deal for him within the next fortnight."
The identity of the player is a mystery, but Burley is known to have watched Dane Martin Jorgensen who certainly fits into the 'outstanding international' bracket. However, the suggestion has always been that the Udinese has been too expensive for Town at £10 million.
If Miller and the other player sign then it looks more likely that the James Scowcroft situation will be resolved sooner rather than later, Leicester and West Ham looking his most likely destinations.
Meanwhile George Burley has denied any interest in Belgian midfielder Jonathan Blondel (or Blondeel, depending on what you are reading).
Jim Magilton's hamstring injury will keep him out of the Scandinavian tour this week. Magilton felt a tug on Friday and is not fit enough to travel.
Gary Croft, who also misses the tour, will need an operation on his groin injury. Croft saw a specialist on Friday.
Chris Hogg played for the England U17s as they lost 2-0 to Brazil yesterday at Bolton's Reebok Stadium.