Town and Málaga are continuing negotiations regarding central defender César Navas, according to this morning's Spanish newspapers.

Various reports claim that the fee remains the issue under discussion, with the Segunda División side still targeting €300,000 (£200,000) for the 27-year-old. However, the clubs are said to be close to an agreement with Navas's move to Portman Road expected before the transfer window closes on Friday.

The 6ft 4in tall defender impressed the Town management during a trial spell at Portman Road in pre-season but broke the third metatarsal on his right foot during the friendly at Crawley. The injury is expected to keep him out of action until the end of September or beginning of October.

Málaga, currently in a Spanish version of administration, are eager to offload Navas's La Liga-sized wages — his salary makes up a seventh of their overall wage bill — and bring in some cash in order to strengthen their side for the season ahead.

Town chief executive Derek Bowden travelled to Spain for talks with Málaga and the central defender's agent a fortnight ago, with the player's terms understood to have been agreed in principle at that meeting and the player very keen to join up with former team-mate Pablo Couñago at Portman Road.

In January, Málaga sent Navas out on loan to Gimnàstic de Tarragona, where the defender recorded an unfortunate double of a second successive relegation from the Spanish top flight, Málaga having been demoted a season earlier.

Meanwhile, academy central defender Tommy Smith could be in action for England's U17s this morning in their round of 16 game against Syria at the FIFA U17 World Cup in South Korea. Smith is likely to be amongst the subs for the match which is live on Eurosport UK at 9am and FIFA's website.

None of Town's players have been called into senior international squads for Euro 2008 qualifiers. Neil Alexander has been left out of the Scotland party, while Alan Lee is omitted from the Republic of Ireland squad despite his strong start to the season. Alex Bruce has also not been named by Steve Staunton.

Last week Billy Clarke was included in the Republic of Ireland U21 squad, although there was no place for Owen Garvan or Michael Synnott despite previous calls, while Chris Casement was named in a Northern Ireland U21s.

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