Town will have to look elsewhere for their new first-choice keeper with number one target Tomasz Kuszczak completing a Bosman free move to Brighton and Hove Albion this evening, signing a two-year deal. As reported in April, the 30-year-old Pole, who was released by Manchester United at the end of the season, was the man Paul Jewell wanted to see between the Portman Road sticks next season.
Brighton boss Gus Poyet was delighted to win the race for the one-time West Brom man, who was also being chased by sides in Germany: "There were clubs in England and abroad interested in Tomasz, but it says a lot for the ambition of this club that he wanted to sign for Brighton.
"We had been tracking his progress for some time and he will provide real competition to both Casper Ankergren and Peter Brezovan for the goalkeeper’s jersey this coming season — and that can only be a good thing for the team moving forward."
Kuszczak outlined why he chose to join the Seagulls: "I have played Premier League football for eight years, with West Bromwich Albion and Manchester United, and I believe the structure is in place here to join them.
"The manager and coaching staff, the team, stadium, crowds, through to the plans for the new training ground, everything is geared up for playing at the highest level and I could sense that ambition to be a top club straight away.
"Also when I played against Brighton last season, while on loan at Watford, I was very impressed with the way the team played - it was totally different to the rest of the Championship and more like what I was used to at Manchester United.
"This team likes to pass the ball, they like to create, they are attractive to watch. The way Brighton play is the future of football. I had other clubs who wanted to sign me but my heart told me that this was the right choice."
In addition to their interest in Kuszczak, the Blues sounded out former Peterborough keeper Joe Lewis prior to his move to Cardiff, while QPR’s Paddy Kenny has also been mentioned in connection with Town, however, is expected to be reunited with Neil Warnock at Leeds United.
Watford’s Scott Loach, Manchester United youngster Ben Amos, former Aston Villa man Brad Guzan and Birmingham’s Colin Doyle, who was recently offered new terms by the Midlanders, have all also been linked.
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