Blues Linked With Blackpool Keeper - Ipswich Town News
Town are chasing Blackpool keeper Matt Gilks, according to reports in the North-West. The 30-year-old is out of contract at Bloomfield Road at the end of the season.
Rochdale-born Gilks started his career with his hometown club, moving on to Norwich City in 2007 but failed to make a single appearance for the Canaries before departing for Blackpool on a free transfer a year later.
Having spent a short spell on loan at Shrewsbury in the early part of 2008/09, he established himself as the Seasiders’ number one and the following season helped his side to promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs.
The 6ft 1in tall keeper was Blackpool’s first choice throughout their season in the top flight — although he missed a long period due to a knee injury — and he won five club awards last season.
Gilks, who has been capped twice by Scotland, who he qualifies for via his grandmother, has again been a regular for the Tangerines this season.
Town boss Mick McCarthy is likely to be looking at alternative keepers with loanee Stephen Henderson due to return to West Ham after the weekend.
Henderson has said he’d like to stay at Portman Road but Hammers boss Sam Allardyce won’t agree a further loan without a 24-hour recall clause, something McCarthy is not keen on. West Ham are unlikely to allow the Irishman, who they signed from Portsmouth in the summer, to move on a permanent basis.
Speaking at the weekend, McCarthy, who is expected to complete the signing of Wolves striker Frank Nouble this afternoon, said he was looking to strengthen all areas of his squad.
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