Town have now commented on Kachloul's acceptance of the Blues' offer. He will undergo a medical at Portman Road when he returns from holiday next week.

Of the signing George Burley said: "We are tremendously pleased that Hassan has agreed to join us. We have been tracking him now for twelve months. Hassan is a gifted international midfield player who has shown his great quality playing for Southampton for the past three seasons. There has been immense interest in signing Hassan from a number of top class sides but the fact that he has chosen Ipswich Town demonstrates the belief Hassan has in

the quality of our Club and our ambition."

David Sheepshanks added his opinion on the signing: "Having met personally with both the agent and the player on several occasions I am absolutely delighted that Hassan has chosen Ipswich Town ahead of a number of other high profile clubs. George Burley is renowned as an extraordinarily shrewd judge and he pinpointed Hassan as a player he wanted already early last

season. There is no doubt in my mind that we are securing a cultured, world-class player who's influence on our team and his fellow players will

hopefully be a very positive one. There has been considerable speculation about inflated wage demands; at the end of the day we have offered him an excellent contract, which while at the top end, remains within our overall wage policy. Of course it is a considerable bonus to finally secure him on a Bosman free transfer and I am very pleased that our determination has paid off. We look forward to welcoming Hassan to Portman Road."

Photo: Action Images

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