Reports this afternoon are suggesting that Town could be about to launch another bid for long-time target Gert Verheyen. The Belgian international was watched by Town scout Romeo Zondervan yesterday afternoon as he starred in Club Brugge's 6-0 win over Racing Genk.

Verheyen scored two and created three in the home win and took his goal tally for the season to 17.

Town made their first bid for the Belgian back in October, but the Belgians refused to sell despite the player's stated wish to come to Town. Since then there have been several reports that the Blues have made fresh attempts to sign the 30-year-old.

Recently Club Secretary Jacques De Nolf said that Club Brugge may be willing to do a deal for Verheyen: "Things have changed. When Ipswich Town made a bid for Verheyen, that offer came at the worst possible time, as we were still in contention for the title. That's different now. There haven't been any offers so far, but we are willing to talk."

There is also talk of a new deal being offered to the Belgian by Brugge. It was reported back in October that he was only on around £25,000 a year at present, a figure he would almost certainly at least triple should he move to Portman Road. The attacking midfielder or striker is rated at around the £1.6 million mark.

It is being reported that George Burley will pick up the Manager of the Year award this evening at the League Managers' Association dinner at Leamington Spa this evening.

It is understood that the Town boss has fought off Gerard Houllier and David O'Leary to win the award which usually goes to Alex Ferguson.

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