x

Blackburn Linked With Move for Loach - Ipswich Town News

Blackburn Rovers are reported to have made an enquiry to Watford regarding Town target Scott Loach. The Blues have agreed a fee with the Hornets for the 24-year-old keeper and have been given permission to speak to the former England U21 international.

Town’s move for the ex-Blues academy schoolboy is said to have alerted Rovers, who will be at Portman Road on the opening day of the Championship season, who may now make an offer for the 6ft 4in tall keeper.

Speaking last night before news of the offer being accepted breaking, boss Paul Jewell was hopeful that the Blues’ move for a keeper was close to being completed: "The one we’re going for, we’re quite a long way down the line with that one. I don’t really comment on speculation but we’re hoping to tie the goalkeeping one up pretty soon.

"We’ve been chasing a goalkeeper for a while and we’re hoping it’s going to happen in the next few days.”

He added: "I don’t want to sound too confident as we’ve been down this route before, but we’re hopeful of getting the one that we want.”

Loach, a boyhood Town fan, has expressed his delight at his impending move on Twitter: "So buzzing right now. Hopefully more will become clear soon."

Later he commented: "This could be a dream come true! ‪#likeakidatxmas."

Town are still to agree personal terms with Nottingham-born Loach, who was at Playford Road between 1997 and 2000, while Watford may want to have secured another keeper before allowing him to move on.

Tottenham's Carlo Cudicini and ex-Arsenal man Manuel Almunia are believed to be Gianfranco Zola's targets.

Photo: Action Images

What to read next:

McKenna: Davis Limping Pretty Heavily
Town boss Kieran McKenna says left-back Leif Davis was limping heavily following tonight’s 3-3 draw at Hull City.
McKenna: What a Wonderful Position to Be In
Town boss Kieran McKenna reflected on the wonderful position his side is in following tonight’s 3-3 draw at Hull City.
Hull City 3-3 Ipswich Town - Match Report
Town moved level on points with second-placed Leeds United following a pulsating 3-3 draw with Hull City at the MKM Stadium having been in front three times. Returning striker George Hirst put the Blues in front in the 19th minute but the Tigers levelled on 40 through Ozan Tufan before Omari Hutchinson put Town back ahead with the first of two brilliant goals. However, Hull equalised again through Liam Delap in the 56th minute, then Hutchinson’s second put the Blues ahead again, however, Tigers sub Noah Ohio grabbed a point for the East Yorkshire side with three minutes remaining and the Blues were unable to take late chances to win it.
Hull City 3-3 Ipswich Town - Player Ratings and Reports
If you saw the match, please give us your player ratings and a mini match report.
Hull City 1-2 Ipswich Town - Half-Time
Goals from George Hirst and Omari Hutchinson have given Town a 2-1 half-time lead over Hull City at the MKM Stadium.
Hirst and Burns Start at Hull
George Hirst and Wes Burns both start for the Blues in this evening’s live-on-Sky game at Hull City.
Hull City v Ipswich Town - Chatroom Open
Join us in the chatroom to discuss the game as it unfolds with hundreds of other Town fans.
Hull City v Ipswich Town - Predictions
Have you predicted the Hull score yet? Sixty per cent of TWTD members are predicting a Town win this evening, 27 per cent a draw and 13 per cent predicting a home win, but what do you think?
Leeds Thrashed at QPR
The battle for promotion at the top of the Championship took another dramatic turn this evening when Leeds United were thrashed 4-0 at QPR, a result which confirms Leicester City’s promotion to the Premier League and puts the Blues in the box seat for the second automatic spot.
Gilmartin to Continue Interim Irish Role
Town’s head of goalkeeping Rene Gilmartin will continue his role on Republic of Ireland interim head coach John O’Shea’s staff for the June internationals, the FAI has announced.