Notts County keeper Bartosz Bialkowski’s move to Town appears to be getting closer to completion with developments expected later today.

The deal appeared to be on the verge of going through more than a week ago but stalled towards the middle of last week.

County had initially been willing to allow the 27-year-old, who has a year left on what is a significant contract for a League One club, to move on a free transfer to release some cash for further additions, but were subsequently understood to be after a small fee, while the Blues were determined to keep to the original arrangement.

As reported on Wednesday, talks between the clubs were continuing with the move still expected to go through. Now the Nottingham Post reports that progress is likely today.

County boss Shaun Derry confirmed Town’s interest in his keeper following his club’s first pre-season friendly on Wednesday, while Blues manager Mick McCarthy remained tight-lipped regarding the move when quizzed at Shelbourne on Saturday. Perhaps notably, Bialkowski was left out of the Magpies side which lost 3-1 at Mansfield at the weekend.

In early June, TWTD reported that Bialkowski would be on Mick McCarthy and keeper-coach Malcolm Webster’s list of potential targets, having been interesting the Blues last summer.

Bialkowski previously spent a short spell on loan with Town in 2009 from Southampton without making a first-team appearance. He was red-carded during his reserves debut in a game at Luton when he handled the ball outside the area with the Hatters bearing down on goal.

The 6ft 4in tall Braniewo-born keeper started his career in his home country with Olimpia ElblÄ…g and Górnik Zabrze before moving to Southampton, where he worked with Webster and ex-Blues boss George Burley, in January 2006.

Another loan spell at Barnsley followed the next season and with his opportunities during his six years at St Mary’s having been limited to just 41 starts and one sub appearance — former Town man Kelvin Davis having been the Saints’ number one for the most part — he joined Notts County on a three-year deal in the summer of 2012. He has gone on to make 92 appearances for the Magpies.

Photo: Action Images

Mark added 12:46 - Jul 15 Excellent. It would be great to add him to the squad for the pre-season so he could develop an understanding with our defence.
1

PunchNoHopers added 12:57 - Jul 15 Might get a half against whu if he signs today!
1

Suffolk_n_Good added 13:17 - Jul 15 Don't get me wrong, I'm more than happy to give him a chance, (should/when he signs) & I guess he's only being signed as back up to Gerks, but I feel completely underwhelmed, still feel we should be looking at a more up & coming keeper to work as a deputy to Gerks with the aim of becoming a long term No. 1 for us :(
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flatos97 added 13:21 - Jul 15 Looks like Gerken might have some competition for No1. Would be pleased with these signing
1

FenboyBlue added 13:33 - Jul 15 Next stop: "Unbelievably Close"
1

spanishblue added 13:38 - Jul 15 Suffolk n good have you not seen the video of him in action looking at that gerks has real competition on his hands look forward to seeing him in action sometime this season
1

Solly added 13:47 - Jul 15 I'd much rather a signing like this than another Premier League loanee, or a 'name', i.e. Loach. I'd imagine people were sceptical about Gerks last season, and look how well he did? Was fantastic for Notts last season (I saw them plenty of times) and is a model pro. Think he'll eventually take the number one shirt from Gerken.
4

flatos97 added 13:53 - Jul 15
1

bluemikey100 added 14:19 - Jul 15 looking at them saves getting excited will anyone actually score against us lol
1

mickswich added 14:22 - Jul 15 SSN transfer page says its a done deal and he has signed for 2 years
0

ipswichtillidie added 14:27 - Jul 15 Personnally think he has been signed as the No1 although can't see MM just outing Gerks like that. Can see him adding him in like was done with Berra
1

mrmorisato added 14:39 - Jul 15 When it comes to keepers in a town Shirt I'm hard to please......but by judging from the footage in that short video I'm impressed, especially for a guy who's 6ft 4in tall and gets down low very quickly to block everything that comes his way, looks like Gerks is gonna have some competition to say the least!!! Nice one McCarthy ;) :)
1

Suffolk_n_Good added 17:01 - Jul 15 Love the way you get a minus on your comment for having an opinion!!! Still there you go, it's my opinion & I ain't changing it.... I guess I could post of video of Loach making a brilliant save....
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Jaffe added 17:38 - Jul 15 Can he catch a ball?
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