Elliott Hewitt, who is set to become Town’s first signing of the summer, is a player very much in the mould of fellow Welshman Gareth Bale, according to those who watched him during his time with Macclesfield. We understand that personal terms have been agreed with Hewitt and that the deal is likely to be confirmed on Tuesday or on his 18th birthday on Wednesday at the latest.

Hewitt travelled down to Suffolk today and was due to undergo a medical this evening or in the morning, the Blues and the Silkmen having set an undisclosed fee late last week.

Macclesfield fans are disappointed to be losing the right-back who has made quite an impact since breaking into the first team, according to Gary Jackson from The Silkweb: “He's been at the club now for the past four or five years, starting in John Askey's youth team before finding himself a reserve regular.

“He signed a pro contract in 2010 and made his full Macc debut at the age of 16 in May 2011 in a 1-1 draw at home to Hereford.

“For a young player he has already developed really well. He’s big, strong on the ball and has pace. Very much a Gareth Bale type of player as he likes bursting forward.”

In action for Macclesfield against Bolton in the FA Cup in January

Hewitt’s 2011/12 campaign came to an early end in March due to injury, meaning he was unable to play a part in the closing stages of a season which ultimately saw the Silkmen relegated into the Blue Square Bet Premier.

Jackson says the full-back - unlike the left-sided Bale a right-footer - is currently still continuing his recovery, but before being sidelined was attracting scouts from a number of top clubs to Moss Rose: “He struggled with injury last season, with hip impingement, and had to have two operations to get it sorted. He’s off to Lilleshall for rehabilitation in the next few weeks.

“Arsenal, Chelsea and Everton were sniffing around him at the start of the season and he’s also a Wales U21 international. You have yourself a great player.”

Hewitt already has one friend based locally, his Welsh U21s team-mate Tom Bender plays for Colchester United.

Photos: Action Images

Photo: Action Images

dazz added 23:06 - May 28 I'm really relishing the chance to see him in a town shirt.. sounds like the perfect signing, ticks all the boxes! Hats off to you PJ! Looking forward to many more similar to this to come COYB
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Saltwell2010 added 23:09 - May 28 Really pleased with this signing if it happens, more signings on the way please!! Definitely need to build for future but getting players in like this can probably make the step up this season if needed...
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MonterreyBlue added 23:13 - May 28 Absolutely fantastic signing.
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Lightningboy added 23:15 - May 28 Nice one..let's hope there's no last minute hitches.
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Dalty added 23:17 - May 28 Really hope we close this deal. May not be a regular straight away, but think he'll play more games next season than many of our fans may think. Him, Edwards and JET would give us exciting & dynamic options down the right flank for next season.
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John_Portman added 23:18 - May 28 Sounds awesome! Hate 2 be pessimistic though but his injury record at such a young age does worry me! But...what the hey let's go for it! Sounds great, potentially bench and then breaking into the 1st team as a key player in 2013/14...dare I say in the premier league! ;) COYB!!!
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itfc1981 added 23:18 - May 28 Lets hope Clegg's in Guam.
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gypo added 23:19 - May 28 Nice one that's what we want I'd take a couple more years in the championship if we build a squad with these kind of signings :-). Ward who !!!!
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DanLyles added 23:21 - May 28 Some words from his manager (or former manager ;) ) http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/january-exit-inevitable-for-united- Carlos isn't used to competition for his place, maybe Hewitt might break into our first team next season
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iamipswich added 23:22 - May 28 what if he fails the medical??
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Sindre94 added 23:29 - May 28 This is huge
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Saltwell2010 added 23:29 - May 28 Just seen on Twitter that Elliott Hewitt was talking to Tom Bender (Colchester United) and Tom said to him that reporters had rung him up on holiday asking if Ipswich will suit him and if he'll help Hewitt settle down south, Hewitt hasn't replied yet but surely even Clegg can't muck this up now
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Saltwell2010 added 23:30 - May 28 If Ipswich will suit Hewitt***
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Garv added 23:46 - May 28 'He's big, strong on the ball and has pace." This quote sounds very encouraging to me, we lack all three attributes in certain areas. Just how tall is he, do we know?
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emergencylime added 00:04 - May 29 The first 'link' that i am optimistic about. Let's hope the Bale comparisons hold more sway than the ones about Shumulikoski being a Macedonian Gerrard!
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Tractorog added 00:06 - May 29 Let's not get carried away with the hype and build the pressure on the lad eh? I am sure that competing for a place with Carlos will do him and us a lot of good. I hope we can all support him as he develops and have a bit of patience.
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Safetyfirstmrwarke added 00:55 - May 29 Belter, more signings like this please.
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Sindre94 added 02:53 - May 29 http://www.sabotagetimes.com/football-sport/elliott-hewitt-what-arsenal-fans-can Interesting read
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Mark added 06:17 - May 29 It sounds like this one is going to happen, which is great news. Hopefully the Bale comparisons won't put too much pressure on him! I wish ITFC would disclose fees as supporters want to know. Is he a £100K signing or a £1M signing? We thought Chopra was £1.5M but Jewell later indicated he was £1M, and Emmanuel-Thomas has been quoted as both £1.5M and £600K. I know signing on fees and wages are often more important, but fans still like to know the transfer fees.

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DiamondGezzer added 06:59 - May 29 Sindre, I wish I hadn't read the article now. Will he, or won't he ?
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therein61 added 07:06 - May 29 I remember a 17 year old right back making his town debut at old trafford up against george best & if this young man serves us as well as george burley did then the future is bright in one position at least.
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wychyblue added 07:26 - May 29 My pals lad plays with Elliot in macc youth team For last two years and told me he was going down to Ipswich on Saturday . Rates this lad highly. Will be a really good signing . Before his injury he was watched alot by alot of clubs.
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bournemouthblue added 07:58 - May 29 Good to see he's not being built up :p
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ArnieM added 08:24 - May 29 OMG , WHAT a signing!! sends out a clear mesage of our intentions for next season. He maybe only 18yrs old , but I bet anything he plays 1st team next season,.
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buryblue77 added 08:31 - May 29 I just want confirmation, this lad sounds really promising. I can see what Jewell is trying to do even if some can't. Build a young team of good players. For all those who moan about Jewell not liking youth, well do we have anyone this good in our youth set up? Doesn't seem so, we will need to look around for players at the moment until our academy does produce. My lack of faith in the top men at PR leaves me feeling nervous about getting this deal done, after all this publicity they can't cock it up now can they........................?

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