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Town and Watford in for Ward - Ipswich Town News

Town are reported to be battling Watford for the signature of Portsmouth defender or midfielder Joel Ward. The 22-year-old was one of the Blues’ three Pompey targets during January with a fee agreed but the switch breaking down over personal terms.

Portsmouth are continuing to look to offload players to ease their financial situation with Liam Lawrence recently moving to Cardiff on loan and Erik Huseklepp having joined Birmingham.

Although the transfer window is closed, Town can sign players on loan initially with previously agreed permanent deals being formalised in the summer. Peterborough recently recruited Crawley striker Tyrone Barnett on that basis.

Meanwhile, the Blues and West Ham are amongst up to five clubs said to be chasing Portsmouth keeper Stephen Henderson.

Like Ward, Town agreed a fee for the 23-year-old Irishman in January with the move collapsing due to personal terms.

The Blues also approached Portsmouth central defender Jason Pearce in January but were unable to agree a fee with Pompey.

Speaking to TWTD last week, chief executive Simon Clegg confirmed that the Blues' pursuit of some or all of the Pompey trio was a "live issue”.

Elsewhere, former Blues striker and coach Chris Kiwomya has joined Notts County as their development squad manager.

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