Accrington Stanley central defender Janoi Donacien has been at Portman Road today, TWTD understands, however the move isn’t expected to be completed until tomorrow.
The Blues have agreed a fee with the League One club and Donacien is at the club to agree personal terms, undergo a medical and complete the other formalities relating to his switch.
This morning the 24-year-old St Lucian, who also plays at right-back, was absent from Accrington’s media day and when quizzed by the Lancashire Telegraph Accrington manager John Coleman revealed that the 6ft tall defender is close to joining the Blues.
"I think it’s getting finalised today, not done yet, but I’d be surprised if he’s not an Ipswich player by tonight,” he said.
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.
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.
Once 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.
Town are also keen on Accrington Stanley striker Kayden Jackson. However, Accrington are yet to accept an offer for Jackson, 24, who was training with the League One club this morning, although it is expected he will move on before the transfer window closes on August 9th with a number of clubs interested.
Don’t know tbh. All bids have been resisted to date. https://t.co/rueQ1Gpxx5
— Andyh (@AndyhHolt) July 30, 2018
Town have been linked with the former Barnsley man on a number of occasions in recent weeks and we understand have firm interest in the Bradford-born frontman even if a deal is yet to be agreed.