Ambrose to sign for Town

Derek Davis

By Derek Davis

BLUES boss Jim Magilton has confirmed he is today set to sign Darren Ambrose.

While the 24-year-old will initially join on loan, it appears defender Alex Bruce could be plying his trade in Italy in the new year.

Cash-strapped Charlton have agreed to allow Ambrose join Ipswich with a view to making the move permanent in January, with a fee of around £250,000 expected to be asked by the London club.

The EADT revealed at the beginning of the year that Magilton has been keen to sign the former Town youngster and has finally got his man, although it is not now thought Iván Campo will be going the other way as part of the deal.

Magilton last night said: “The paperwork has not yet been signed but we are very close to agreeing a loan deal with Charlton for Darren.

“We are hoping he will be with the club Monday morning and will be with us initially on loan until January.”

Ambrose told this reporter after Charlton win over Ipswich at the Valley that he was flattered by Magilton's interest and would welcome a return to Portman Road.

The former England Under 21 player will go straight into Magilton squad and could make his second bow for Town in the live televised game at Doncaster on Saturday evening.

Ironically Ambrose's arrival comes amid reports that owner Marcus Evans is planning cuts at the Ipswich Town academy, where the youngster came through ranks after joining as an 11-year-old.

The Harlow-born player who is equally comfortable on either flank, made his Blues debut against Arsenal in April, 2002 as an 18-year-old.

He was sold to Newcastle for a cut-price £1m and made 56 appearances for the Magpies, with almost half coming off the bench late on.

Ambrose's arrival will lessen the likelihood that Billy Clarke will be kept on after his loan spell at Darlington and raise questions about Danny Haynes' future at Ipswich.

Defender Bruce is being linked with Italian clubs Fiorentina, Genoa and Napoli after Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trappatoni recommended the defender.

Bruce, who is out of contract next summer, has been offered a new deal but so far not accepted an offer and is free to talk to other cubs in January with a number of Championship clubs, including Preston, Barnsley and Burnley, linked with the former Birmingham City player.