TWTD understands that former Reading and Stoke defender Ibrahima Sonko has joined the Blues on trial and is set to feature for the reserves in this afternoon’s behind-closed-doors friendly against Colchester United. The 30-year-old has repeatedly tweeted about a potential move to Town with manager Paul Jewell having confirmed that he has spoken to the Senegalese international’s agent.
Born in Bignona, Senegal but having moved to France as a baby, Sonko began his career with Town’s old UEFA Cup foes St Etienne, moving on to Grenoble, where he made his first senior appearances, in 1999.
Three years later, he joined Brentford, the 6ft 3in tall defender spending two seasons at Griffin Park before joining Reading on a Bosman in 2004.
Capped four times by Senegal, scoring one goal, Sonko became a cult hero at the Madejski Stadium and acquired the nickname ‘Superman’ for his exceptional leaping ability as he helped Steve Coppell’s side into the Premier League.
Stoke paid an initial £2 million for his services in August 2008 but his time at the Britannia Stadium was less successful. Loans at Hull City and Portsmouth followed, before he was released at the end of last season.
Sonko rejoined Reading on trial this summer and played in a number of pre-season games but talks broke down, with his old club only willing to offer a deal which equated to a 90% pay cut with the player only willing to take a drop of 75%.
Town are desperately in need of central defenders with Blues manager Jewell revealing earlier today that an offer has been made to a Premier League club for another centre-half, who may or may not be Aston Villa's Shane Lowry, who was linked overnight.