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Bialkowski Close to Millwall Move - Ipswich Town News

Town keeper Bartosz Bialkowski is closing in on a move to Millwall.

The South London Press is reporting that the Lions have only a few details left to be sorted on the deal, including a medical which is taking place today, and we understand a fee has been agreed between the clubs.

Yesterday, general manager of football operations Lee O’Neill confirmed that Town had received enquiries regarding the 31-year-old, but at that stage no firm bids with Millwall and Birmingham both having previously been linked.

However, the situation appears to have moved on quickly and the Polish international’s switch looks set to be confirmed in the next couple of days.

Following their relegation to League One, Town were willing to consider bids for Bialkowski, the highest-paid player at Portman Road after the bumper new deal he signed last year having returned from duty with Poland at the World Cup finals in Russia.

That new contract followed the Blues' refusal of a £3 million offer from Birmingham for the former Notts County and Southampton man, who, after a tough season for both club and player, is likely to have fetched significantly less this summer, with £1.5 million having been reported to be Town's valuation earlier in the close season.

Despite having said he is happy at Town - and that he plans to live in Suffolk once he retires - League One football was unlikely to improve Bialkowski’s international prospects and a move back to the Championship has always been on the cards.

Bialkowski made 177 starts and one sub appearance for the Blues having signed from Notts County in the summer of 2014 on a free transfer.

The 6ft 4in glovesman, who had a short spell on loan at Town in 2009 without making a senior appearance, won the club's Player of the Year gong in three successive seasons before relinquishing the award in 2018/19.

Millwall are very much in the market for keepers this summer with David Martin having joined West Ham, Ben Amos's loan from Bolton having ended and Jordan Archer having decided to move on with his contract up.

The Blues signed former Gillingham man Tomas Holy last month while youngster Adam Przybek was recruited after leaving West Brom following a trial but will look for another senior keeper once Bialkowski's exit is confirmed.

Among others, Town have spoken to QPR keeper Matt Ingram about his situation, while Bolton’s Remi Matthews is another potential new recruit, although with Championship sides Charlton and Hull City also reportedly interested in the former Norwich man.

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