THE tussle between Cork City and Ipswich Town for George O'Callaghan could be resolved within the next 24 hours.The monthly Blues board meeting held last night included discussions about their next move in regards to signing the Cork City star and are expected to make a determined effort to close a deal today.

By Derek Davis

THE tussle between Cork City and Ipswich Town for George O'Callaghan could be resolved within the next 24 hours.

The monthly Blues board meeting held last night included discussions about their next move in regards to signing the Cork City star and are expected to make a determined effort to close a deal today.

I understand that Cork would be willing to accept around half of the figure quoted for their former player of the year and Ipswich would he happy to complete the deal at a little less than that price.

The deal would be made up of cash up front, bonus payments and a friendly against the Rebels in Ireland.

City had originally suggested a fee of around £100,000 but this was seen largely as an opening gambit and clearly far too high a valuation for the player who will probably never play for the club again after a bust-up with manager Damian Richardson.

Preliminary talks between the clubs' bosses have already been held and Cork chairman Brian Lennox and Town chairman David Sheepshanks are expected to finalise details today.

The 27-year-old former Port Vale winger, who can play in central midfield or as a striker, is keen to sign, preferably before going home for a mini-break, and would be available to make his Town debut on January 1 against Birmingham City.

O'Callaghan played for the Blues in a 1-0 win over a strong Watford side in a behind-closed-doors match yesterday.

Chris Casement scored the winner against the Hornets and Ipswich included a triallist in their line up.

Watford included fit-again Manchester United keeper Ben Foster and midfielder Matthew Spring, along with on-trial Polish international striker Marek Saganowski.

Northern Ireland Under-21 international Casement is pushing for a first team place and is expected to be in the squad to face Stoke City on Saturday.