Southend defender Bilel Mohsni has confirmed that he expects to join Town on a three-month loan deal tomorrow. Earlier today, TWTD revealed that the Frenchman was back at Playford Road for a second spell on trial.
The versatile centre-half, striker or winger told the Southend Echo: "I expect to sign for Ipswich tomorrow and it will be a three-month deal.
"I came back in to train today and they put me through a fitness test on my own to make sure I’m fit enough to play.
"I’m really pleased that everything is close to being sorted and Ipswich are a good club in the Championship, so I’m happy to come here.”
Town boss Paul Jewell has said he is looking to sign players on loans with a view to permanent contracts in January.
The 25-year-old, who has fallen out with the Shrimpers, impressed during a week-long trial last month but turned down the chance to return for a second spell and spent time with Birmingham.
Paris-born Mohsni, who is primarily a centre-half, played for French lower league clubs CO Les Ulis, US Saint-Georges and Sainte-Geneviève Sports before joining Southend after a trial in July 2010.
Southend rebuffed a £250,000 offer from Blackpool in January 2011 with Mohsni having made a good early impression.
He faced the Blues in the 1-1 pre-season draw at Roots Hall prior to the start of the 2011/12 season, playing one half at the back and one up front and almost getting himself sent off for clashing with Lee Martin, Andy Drury amongst others in a lively, effective and not a little volatile performance.
Last season, cult figure Mohsni operated as a striker and then as a winger for Paul Sturrock’s side but failed to show for the start of pre-season training this time around as he was looking to play at a higher level, subsequently joining West Ham on trial.
The Hammers were impressed enough to offer £150,000 for 6ft 3in tall Mohsni but the Shrimpers refused the offer and the player returned to France.
He subsequently spent time with Celtic on trial before joining the Blues, during which time he scored in the 6-0 U21s victory over Cardiff.
Mohsni might not be Town's only signing before the weekend with Paul Jewell having revealed he could make two additions to his squad. The second is likely to be a striker with QPR's DJ Campbell having been targeted last week as cover for the injured Paul Taylor.