A FATHER and son, player and coach, combination are being linked with Ipswich Town.The Blues are close to landing 6'4'' Dutch defender Pim Balkestein, while his dad Luuk has been in talks with Town over the club's new international scout role.

Derek Davis

A Father and son player and coach combination have been linked with Ipswich Town

The Blues are close to landing 6'4'' Dutch defender Pim Balkestein, while his father Luuk has been in talks Ipswich about becoming Town's new international scout.

Pim, 21, plays for the Eredivisie club Heerenveen. A fee has been agreed and personal terms are being discussed.

His father Luuk is a former Dutch international and has been interviewed for the role of overseas scout.

Luuk used to play for Sparta Rotterdam and is currently scouting for German club Borussia Monchengladbach, but used to work for Heerenveen.

Although he has been interviewed by Town, it is understood that he will not be getting the job with Ipswich, as the German side are now back in the Bundesliga.

Town have also been linked with Liverpool keeper David Martin. The Blues initially asked about Martin a year ago and the former MK Dons keeper has since been on loan to Accrington Stanley.

The 22-year-keeper is the son of former West ham defender Alvin Martin.

Meanwhile, Alex Bruce and Owen Garvan were on the bench as the Republic of Ireland drew 1-1 with Serbia at Croke Park.

Both will be hoping for more involvement when the Irish take on Columbia at Fulham's Craven Cottage on Thursday.