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Balkestein Wants to Stay in the Championship - Ipswich Town News

Defender Pim Balkestein says he will look to remain in the Championship next season despite enjoying his time with loan club Brentford. The Dutchman’s two-year contract with Town is up in the summer.

Balkestein said: "I was out of the team at Ipswich for a long time so it's good to be playing games. I'm out of contract in the summer so it's up to me to show what I can do and hopefully some clubs will see me.

"Brentford is a good contender for next year, but I'll see what options are available. I'm keen to stay in the Championship if possible. I've proved myself at that level in my first and second year at Ipswich."

When the former Heerenveen man rejoined the Bees on loan last month the League One side said a fee for a permanent summer deal had been agreed with the Blues, reportedly £100,000, suggesting that Town had taken up their option of a third year on the 22-year-old's contract.

However, the centre-half’s comments are likely to mean that compensation due as he is under 24 years of age has been agreed with the Bees rather than a fee ahead of a potential summer permanent move.

Meanwhile, right-back Liam Rosenior says he isn’t concerned about being out of contract in the summer. The 25-year-old is on loan at Town from Saturday’s opponents Reading with his deal at the Madejski Stadium up at the end of June.

Rosenior told the club site: "I'm not sure where my future will be but I'm not worried about it. I have played for two great clubs in Ipswich and Reading and we will see what happens in the summer.

"Some 18 months ago, I expected and in some ways wanted to be in this position at this stage. Living on the edge so to speak can bring out the best in you."

The ex-England U21 international isn’t surprised that the Royals are putting in a late charge towards the play-offs: "I always felt that Reading and us had the players to put a run together and climb the table and I felt it was probably more likely to be us.

"We've just not been able to find that consistency but Reading are certainly in a rich vein of form at the moment and they will come to Portman Road in confident mood."

Last week, Town boss Roy Keane said it was unlikely that any new contracts would be offered until after the season has ended.

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