WEST Bromwich Albion are closing in on Thomas Gaardsoe.The Baggies claim they may be near to opening contract talks with Ipswich's Danish central defender.

By Dave Allard

WEST Bromwich Albion are closing in on Thomas Gaardsoe.

The Baggies claim they may be near to opening contract talks with Ipswich's Danish central defender.

The Blues' Nationwide League First Division rivals have already had two bids rejected with the second believed to be just over the £500,000 mark.

But negotiations are continuing and today Albion

chairman Jeremy Peace said: "I can confirm that

further talks have taken place with Ipswich over Thomas Gaardsoe. Ipswich have now offered us a transfer proposal and I hope we can reach a successful conclusion."

Gaardsoe today insisted he was remaining

open-minded about a possible move to the Hawthorns, but Blues fans made their feelings known over the

possible sale of the popular centre back.

One even claimed: "If he goes it will be a bigger loss than Matt Holland."

Town boss Joe Royle said: "Naturally we don't want Thomas to go but we are not in a position to turn down any cash offers for players that we consider good ones."

The former Denmark Under-21 player, a

£1.1million signing from Aalborg two years ago, added: "I'll have a chat with the manager as soon as I can to clarify things, but at the moment all I'm focusing on is getting my foot right for the start of the season.

"In football you have to consider everything. I have two years of my contract to run at Ipswich and am just thinking about them. If the club were to accept an offer then I would have to look at the situation, but so far I haven't thought about leaving at all."

Meanwhile, Royle today spoke of his delight at the three free transfer signing he has made for the club since the end of last season.

They are keeper Kelvin Davis, central defender Drissa Diallo and central midfield man or defender Georges Santos.

Royle said: "I'm delighted to have got all three. We conceded too many goals last season and these players will help us a great deal in this respect."

Increased doubts over the future of Gaardsoe has prompted a statement from the Ipswich Town Supporters Trust today.

Spokesman Phil Ham said:"The trust feels the fans would like clarification of the current financial situation at Portman Road.

"We feel there is a certain amount of confusion among the supporters regarding the current financial situation, the CVA and the effect of the sales of Matteo Sereni and Matt Holland have had on the club's situation.

"There is clearly surprise in some

quarters that the club might consider selling another top name and we feel they need to outline more clearly where they currently stand financially."