Defender Ian Miller is close to completing a permanent move to League Two Darlington, where he has spent two spells on loan. Quakers manager Dave Penney hopes to complete the signing of the former Bury Town man in the next few days.

Penney said: "We're in talks with Ipswich now. We've offered him an 18-month contract and we want him to stay.

"It's just a matter of things being sorted out at Ipswich and hopefully in the next day or two he'll become a Darlington player."

Miller joined the Blues from Ryman League Division One North side Bury in September 2006 after a trial, having impressed the Town management in a pre-season friendly at Ram Meadow.

The 6ft 2in tall defender spent time on loan at Boston and Darlington last season before returning to Portman Road to make a single appearance from the bench late on in the 3-0 victory over Plymouth.

Miller rejoined Darlington on another loan spell in August and despite rarely featuring was one of boss Penney's number one January targets. With the 24-year-old's contract up at the end of the season, the Blues are unlikely to receive a fee.

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