Released Town defender Scott Barron is set to join League One side Millwall. The 21-year-old had the remaining year of his contract settled last month after failing to make an appearance during Jim Magilton's time as manager.

Barron will sign a two-year deal with the Lions in July and will be reunited with former Town coach Willie Donachie who is the current manager at the Den.

Donachie says he expected Barron to make the grade with the Blues: "He is a very good professional. I had backed him to became a good first team player at Ipswich.

"He is not the biggest, but he has really worked on his fitness and got a lot stronger recently -and he can run all day. He can play anywhere on the left."

Barron made 16 starts and one sub appearance for Town after coming through the academy. Last season he spent time on loan with Wrexham where he made three starts.

Meanwhile, Reading central defender Alan Bennett has emerged as a potential loan target for the Blues. The 25-year-old joined the Royals from Cork City for an undisclosed fee in January but is yet to make a full appearance for the Premiership club.

Bennett, 6ft 2in tall, was a team-mate of George O'Callaghan's at Cork and recently won his first two Republic of Ireland caps during their tour of the US, playing alongside Alex Bruce in one of those games.

Elsewhere, Charlton are reported to be ready to accept a £16 million offer from Spurs for Darren Bent. Liverpool are still understood to be in the running, but should they succeed in signing Atlético Madrid's Fernando Torres then they would no longer be looking for another frontman.

The Spurs deal is reportedly £15 million now plus another £16 million in top-ups. Town are due 20% of the profit the Addicks make on the £2.6 million they paid the Blues and the initial £15 million would land the Blues £2.48 million with further cash payable if and when the add-ons are triggered.

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