x

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.

What to read next:

Hull City v Ipswich Town - Predictions
Have you predicted the Hull score yet? Sixty per cent of TWTD members are predicting a Town win this evening, 27 per cent a draw and 13 per cent predicting a home win, but what do you think?
Leeds Thrashed at QPR
The battle for promotion at the top of the Championship took another dramatic turn this evening when Leeds United were thrashed 4-0 at QPR, a result which confirms Leicester City’s promotion to the Premier League and puts the Blues in the box seat for the second automatic spot.
Gilmartin to Continue Interim Irish Role
Town’s head of goalkeeping Rene Gilmartin will continue his role on Republic of Ireland interim head coach John O’Shea’s staff for the June internationals, the FAI has announced.
Season Tickets Sell Out
Town have announced that season tickets for the 2024/25 season have sold out through existing renewals, meaning no new fans will become season ticket holders for the campaign ahead.
U18s Host Blades
Town’s U18s are in Professional Development League Two South action at home to Sheffield United on Saturday morning (KO 11.30pm).
Rosenior: Our Cup Final
Hull City boss Liam Rosenior insists the Tigers’ home game against Town, a match which he describes as his team’s cup final, kicking off at 8pm on Saturday is an advantage in the race for the final play-off places.
Life's a Pitch TV - Episode 38 - Ray Crawford
This week’s Life’s a Pitch TV with star guest Ray Crawford is now available on YouTube.
Moore: To Be in This Situation With Three Games to Go is Unbelievable
Kieffer Moore is excited about the next nine days that will see Town travel to Hull and Coventry in search of precious points before the season ends on Saturday week with Huddersfield the visitors on a day that could, depending on what happens between now and then, see the Blues hosting a second successive Portman Road promotion party.
[Podcast] Blue Monday - New Podcast Now Online
A new podcast from the Blue Monday team is now available.
McKenna: We Have Big Confidence in Ourselves
Town boss Kieran McKenna says his team have “big confidence” in themselves going into Saturday evening’s visit to Hull City, the first of three games which will decide whether the Blues win automatic promotion back to the Premier League after 22 years away (KO 8pm).