Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman has revealed that the Blues are closing in on the signing of central defender Janoi Donacien. TWTD understands Town have agreed a deal with the League One club but with personal terms and the other formalities relating to the move still to be finalised.
The 24-year-old St Lucian, who also plays at right-back, missed training today and when quizzed by the Lancashire Telegraph Coleman said the 6ft tall defender is close to joining the Blues.
Donacien, who moved to the UK with has family in 2001, was an academy youngster with Luton, Tottenham and Aston Villa before spending time out on loan with Tranmere, Wycombe and Newport while a Villans player.
Having failed to break into the first team at Villa Park, Donacien moved to Accrington on a free transfer in the summer of 2016. Since then he has made 85 starts and seven sub appearances, scoring once. Last season he helped Stanley to the League Two title.
Town are desperately in need of additions at centre-half with skipper Luke Chambers currently the only out-and-out senior central defender on the books following Adam Webster's departure to Bristol City.
Asked Coley about Janoi Doancien who wasn’t here today. His answer: ‘I think it’s getting finalised today, not done yet, but I’d be surprised if he’s not an Ipswich player by tonight.’ #ASFC #ITFC– Alex James (@alexjameshack) July 30, 2018
Donacien could be one of two central defensive signings the Blues make before Saturday's opening game against Blackburn with manager Paul Hurst implying that Curtis Tilt being rested by Blackpool on Saturday could be good news in his long-standing pursuit of the 26-year-old.
If Donacien completes his move to the Blues he will become the second St Lucian to represent Town following striker Earl Jean, who made one sub appearance in December 1996.
Yesterday, Town were again linked with another Accrington player, striker Kayden Jackson.