Brentford boss Andy Scott says he made his bid to take Town defender Pim Balkestein on a permanent basis after the Blues turned down an offer to take the Dutchman on loan. Town and the Bees are still negotiating a potential deal for the former Heerenveen man.

Scott said: "We knew Tommy Smith had gone back and was on the bench while Pim wasn’t involved.

"We asked the question about his availability and they weren’t keen to ship him out on loan, so we made an enquiry about what the situation was with him.

"We’re monitoring that and we’re looking to next year as well to bring good players in and he fits the bill.

"Clearly financially it has got to fit in with the budget for next year and the wage structure we’ve got.”

Meanwhile, Tuesday’s opponents Plymouth look unlikely to be able to field full-back Richard Eckersley (ankle) and central defender Kari Arnason (hip) against the Blues after sustaining injuries in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Scunthorpe.

Town report nothing more than the usual post-game bruises with left-back Shane O’Connor expected to be fine despite being amongst those picking up minor knocks.

Photo: Action Images

GenericIpswichMan added 13:20 - Mar 22 Can't say I will be too disappointed if Pim moves on. Been plenty of opportunity before Mc and Delaney cemented their partnership to stake a claim for a defensive berth. Unfortunately, Pim hasn't taken his opportunity and I personally dont think he is the type of player who can help take the club forward.
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keebs_itfc added 14:24 - Mar 22 the thing is, bruce says he potentially wants to go, pim may be going, im not sure tommy smith has wat it takes in what should be seen as a promotion pushing squad next year, unless RK can get sum1 in whos going to sit on the bench and cover at CB who will we have, david wright is a fairly solid right/left back but could you really rely on him to be cover if one of the 2 CB's get a bad injury?!

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el_nino added 17:10 - Mar 22 Tom Eastman seems to be pushing hard in the reserves....maybe Roy thinks he'll be ready to sit on the bench next season.
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keeperbimbo09 added 19:10 - Mar 22 After just going on the bbc sport championship predictor i have discovered that...if results go our way and if we win the rest of our games this season, we could finish 6th with 71pts. Its nice to dream eh?
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IpswichBee added 22:53 - Mar 22 Well I couldn't be happier. Pim Balkestien come on down. Off to take the U's apart on Tuesday night at their beach football pitch.
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parkinshair added 23:55 - Mar 22 All this talk of Brentford making offers for Pim seems a bit strange. The guy is out of contract at the end of the season anyway.
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jamesy_itfc_keano added 17:09 - Mar 23 let him go, he will never be able 2 push for a place. Hopefully keane can buy someone who is decent in the summer. COYB
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