TWTD understands that former loanee Reece Brown could join Town’s legion of summer Bosman signings following his recent release by Manchester United.

Other clubs, including League Two Bristol Rovers, are believed to have offered terms to the centre-half, who is the younger brother of former England international Wes, but the 6ft 2in tall Mancunian looks set to opt for a return to Portman Road when his Red Devils contract is up at the end of the month.

The 21-year-old joined the Blues on loan in February and subsequently made one sub appearance for the first team, in addition to featuring regularly for the U21s.

England U20 international Brown previously had spells on loan at Bradford, Doncaster, Oldham and Coventry, and has also played as a holding midfielder and at full-back.

Adding strength in depth at the back would appear to be one of Mick McCarthy's priorities ahead of the start of the season with the squad short of cover at centre-half and at right-back since the departure of loanees Brown, Patrick Kisnorbo and Richard Stearman at the end of the last campaign.

Meanwhile, former Town defender Pim Balkestein has joined VVV-Venlo back in his native Holland on a three-year deal having been released by AFC Wimbledon at the end of the season.

Photo: Action Images

DiamondGezzer added 07:50 - Jun 13 Sounds like in his loan spell they saw something in him that they could bring on, and for free, sounds like a win win situation if it happens.
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JoshTheLad added 08:11 - Jun 13 That last young lad we signed on a permanent from Man U was good wasn't he? What was his name again.... erm..
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JoshTheLad added 08:11 - Jun 13 That last young lad we signed on a permanent from Man U was good wasn't he? What was his name again.... erm..
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Surco72 added 08:11 - Jun 13 Some of the comments on here are ridiculous , he is 21 and has been at Man Utd for a number of years so Sir Alex must have seen something ,just because he cannot oust Ferdinand,Vidic,Evans ,Smalling,Jones all internationals out of the starting line up does not make him a player not good enough for a mid table championship side . He came to us just when the centre backs had got themselves sorted and were in good form ,any other time of the season and he would probably have got playing time . He is a young player who can cover a few positions ,ideal for any squad and is free ,no brainer for me

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IpswichLewis added 08:13 - Jun 13 I'm not going to lie, Id like to comment about him but I honestly don't know anything about him? I didn't realise Wes Brown had a brother that played football until we signed him on loan? But even if he only made the team once and mostly played 4 the u21's, someone @ the club must see something in him if were going to offer him a contract...I don't think we will be a regular player in the team but he will definatley be decent back up, and he will keep the first teamers on their toes for their place...Cheap player, young player, cheap wages. Come from a decent club where he will have had brilliant coaching...worth a try I guess??

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Stewart27 added 08:18 - Jun 13 Anybody who says we don't need cover at the back are on another planet! We have five defenders in the squad. I'm not necessarily saying that he's the man but why not. Will only be back up on cheap wages for no fee and is young.
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Kesgraveblue57 added 08:25 - Jun 13 It seems if he free player Ipswich Town must have him !
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IpswichLewis added 08:49 - Jun 13 Who remembers when we bought Marcus Stewart for 2.5million...oh the days of spending money...
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Keaneish added 09:13 - Jun 13 Like his versatility and with the exception of a cameo role in a 9 man side against Forest I don't think anyone can comment on his ability. Good to keep the squad together too but where are the couple of really creative players we need? No news on kisnorbo yet? I'd like to see him sign.
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PimsNumber1 added 09:21 - Jun 13 Thought someone posted on here that other clubs where he had been on loan had thought he was pants , never broke into our team and it appears only league 2 think he has something to offer, which says alot another lee marting but worse ?
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Stato added 09:28 - Jun 13 In fairness it has only been in this last season that Tommy Smith and Luke Hyam have played their way into our first team. This guy might just grab his chance when it comes and with the amount of different positions he can cover you can bet we'll need him at some point. I'm surprised anyone on here thinks they can spot a decent defender better than Mick.
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Crock added 09:29 - Jun 13 It will not be a bosman signing if he is already released.
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blueherts added 09:34 - Jun 13 Deffo - we need some depth and he seems a versatile player who probably has been well coached at United - he came when we started playing well and had a settled core in defence and midfield - MM and TC have been pretty shrewd - we are not cash rich and with FFP need to look at where we really need players for right price - Good addition if happens - main goal now is to get rid of Chopra as he is probably holding things up !!

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linhdi added 09:36 - Jun 13 Young player, not had (or taken?) chances elsewhere, but Mick has had a good look at him and thinks there's a chance he could make it. At the same time we need cover at the back. And he's going to be cheap. No-brainer, and smart business. It's a similar approach to the signing of Nouble, who already justified the 25k fee, and looks like a real prospect. Who's to say this guy couldn't do the same.

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SonOfSpock added 10:08 - Jun 13 MM has seen him behind closed doors on the training ground so knows what he's about. If MM is happy with him then we need to back his decision. Simples.
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theobald1985 added 10:24 - Jun 13 Surco72 is spot on this is obviosly a good move a young player been with the countrys top club academy and as a first year pro. I bet some damm good players did not even make first year pro the lad just needs a chance and could kick on with us and we need cheap cover in his position
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slippery added 10:33 - Jun 13 The loan must have just been an extended trial and give him time to settle in before he signed on a free! Good business
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Wickets added 10:37 - Jun 13 Spending money in recent years has not helped us much! so i'm all for a few hungry (hopefully) players perhaps a couple of decent buyes in next month or so might do the trick when added to what we got? maybe just maybe we can hope!!!!
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Daleyitfc added 11:11 - Jun 13 Of course, he made such a BIG impact while here on loan ...
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Stewart27 added 11:30 - Jun 13 Daleyitfc What he didn't have the impact to dislodge Chambers and Smith you mean??? Yeah must be pants then. How do you know that he didn't have an impact in training? Did you attend training sessions? Do you think Mick watched him in training? I reckon don't you? Is that you in your avatar?
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WickedBlue added 11:34 - Jun 13 Someone said we don't really need him?!?! Well if signs him obviously think we do. Tell me who it is who gets paid to manage this club?
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neillrumsey added 11:44 - Jun 13 First and foremost this lad must have good potential or he wouldn't have been at Man Utd. I know that they have now released him but he has played and trained with many top pros and been coached by the best. He will have pacee and a good first touch. This lad has to be worth a punt on low wages..
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Johnny_Warks_tash added 11:45 - Jun 13 I reckon the reason why he didn't get much of a look in last season was because of the 5 player loan rule, so people shouldn't judge him on that. Good one for the future i reckon, can play in a number of positions. So in Mick i trust!
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blue_bery2 added 11:53 - Jun 13 i think we should get kisnorbo back , he looked solid and he's a distinguished championship centre half with the experience and knowledge to teach and the young defenders at the club. however this deal is worth a punt
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CornardBlue added 13:02 - Jun 13 MM was a centre back and you only have to look at the way Tommy Smith has improved since MM came to Ipswich. I would rather a youngster like Reece Brown join us who can benefit from MM coaching him than a 30 year old looking for a last pay day.
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