TWTD understands that Town are close to completing a deal to sign central defender Gareth McAuley from Leicester City. The Northern Irish international is believed to be undergoing a medical at Portman Road this afternoon.

Town first moved for McAuley back in January when they had three offers turned down. The Foxes refused another bid earlier in the summer, but the Blues continued their pursuit of the 28-year-old and earlier this week it was reported that that a fee of £1.5 million had been agreed between the clubs.

McAuley, 6ft 3in tall, joined Leicester on a free transfer from Lincoln in the summer of 2006 after his contract at Sincil Bank came to an end.

Capped 10 times by Northern Ireland, McAuley signed a new contract at Leicester in February aimed at keeping him at the Walkers Stadium until 2011, however, it is rumoured that a clause in that deal allowed him to leave for a fee at a pre-agreed level now that Leicester have been relegated.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls