TWTD understands Town are closing in on the signing of free agent former Republic of Ireland international left-back Stephen Ward, who we reported yesterday was in contract talks.

While what's believed to be a one-year deal has been agreed with the 34-year-old, there are still aspects of the move which are yet to be tied up. However, it is likely that Ward could be confirmed as a Town player later today.

TWTD revealed yesterday that the Blues are are also in contract talks with keeper David Cornell and striker Oli Hawkins and we understand progress is continuing on both those deals.

Ward, who was released by Stoke at the end of last season, joined up with the squad to train on Monday and has evidently impressed the Town management.

The Dubliner started his career with hometown club Bohemians before joining Wolves, at the time managed by Mick McCarthy, in January 2007 with then-Town boss Jim Magilton having confirmed that the Blues were also interested.

Ward spent seven years at Molineux featuring regularly in the Premier League before moving on to Burnley in 2014.

"After five further seasons in the top flight at Turf Moor, the 5ft 11in tall left-back or winger moved to Stoke last summer. However, he made only 17 appearances and left at the end of the season. Ward has been capped 50 times by the Republic of Ireland, scoring three times.

Given Town’s limited scope for additions within the salary cap, Ward signing would end the Blues’ interest in bringing former loanee Luke Garbutt back to Portman Road on a permanent basis.

Elsewhere, former Town loan keeper Will Norris is reportedly close to joining Burnley from Wolves. The 27-year-old spent 2019/20 at Portman Road making 20 appearances.

Photo: Action Images

Nesspointrunner added 20:55 - Aug 14 This is Noddy Talbot surely. Good for him.
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KiwiBlue2 added 00:39 - Aug 15 Brings a lot of high level experience which is most welcome in the back four. Now just need a competent left side cb and then lets get rolling.......
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londontractorboy57 added 15:30 - Aug 15 Reading articles like this i fear for our once great club FINISHED I AM affraid
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bushhillblue added 12:55 - Aug 16 Not a bad signing considering where we are just need a centre half wives place who can tackle two midfielders who can create and stay fit not pass sideways o and maybe score a few goals to and of course a decent striker lol and a coach
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