HONDURAN international Emilio Izaguirre has opened talks with Ipswich Town about a move to Portman Road.

Derek Davis

By Derek Davis

IPSWICH Town are considering making an offer to Honduran international Emilio Izaguirre but want to see him in match action first.

The 22-year-old impressed during a two week trial period and Blues boss Jim Magilton is interested in signing the left-sided player who can play midfield and full-back if terms can be agreed and a work permit secured.

But first, after impressing in training, Magilton wants to make sure he can perform at a high-enough level and wants to organise a behind-doors-friendly first.

Izaguirre is not able to play in any pre-season games or registered games due to red tape.

Contrary to reports in Honduras Izaguirre has not been offered a contract and a work permit would be needed to be secured. He is still with Ipswich and training with first team also.

Also training with Town is former Blues defender Jamie Clapham, who has been invited to work with town as he looks for a new club

Magilton said: Izaguirre did well in the two weeks but we want to see him play in a match.

“Jamie a good lad and we said he can train with us for a few days and see what happens from there.”

The Blues are also closing in on defender Ben Thatcher after he turned down the chance to join Wolves following a trial period and they have instead signed Ian Harte.

Thatcher, a free agent, is understood to be keen on joining Town but after enjoying Premiership wages with Charlton he is looking for wages at the higher end of Town's budget and talks will continue today.

Magilton is also seeking another experienced defender and is interested in Celtic's Bobo Balde but Sunderland and Birmingham city seem to be favourites at the moment.

A move for Danny Shittu, whose proposed transfer to Rangers has fallen through, has been mooted but the experienced centre-halves wage demands are an issue.

Town continue to be in the hunt for another experienced striker, with David Nugent a possibility, although no formal bid has yet been made.

With players continuing to come in a coupe of Town players could be shipped out this week.

Billy Clarke is set for a loan move to a lower league club but probably not Cambridge United or any other Blue Square Premier League outfit.

Wycombe Wanderers, Yeovil or Northampton town could be a more likely destination for him and a couple of other fringe players.

derek.davis@eadt.co.uk