Town have confirmed that a fee has been agreed with Newcastle United for defender Titus Bramble. The club are refusing to disclose the actual amount Newcastle have offered, while Bramble has travelled to the North-East today to discuss terms and have a medical.
The deal is thought to be in the region of £6 million, £5 million now, and another million depending on appearances and England caps.
George Burley says he will be sorry to see the Ipswich-born player leaving, telling the club site: "It will be sad to lose Titus if he does agree to join Newcastle.
"He is a player I have watched from U15 level all the way to the first-team at this club.
"He has tremendous natural ability and has the potential to become a future England international.
"Unfortunately the offer Newcastle have made for Titus is something the club could not turn down at this moment in time.
"However, I am confident that we are well covered in the centre of defence with a good mix of youth and experience."
Bramble has been linked with Newcastle all season and once Town were relegated it appeared only a matter of time before the deal was done.
Yesterday David Sheepshanks said that the Blues would need to sell two player over the summer to make up the relegation cash shortfall. Speculation will now turn to the identity of the next player making a Portman Road exit.