Bialkowski close to signing new three-year Ipswich deal

Ipswich Town goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski Picture: STEVE WALLER © Copyright Stephen Waller

Goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski is close to signing a new, long-term contract with Ipswich Town.

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Ipswich Manager Paul Hurst watches his players during the warm-up at Braintree Picture PAGEPIX Ipswich Manager Paul Hurst watches his players during the warm-up at Braintree Picture PAGEPIX

The Pole is now in the final year of his current deal but, after rejecting offers in the £3million range from Birmingham City, the Blues have doubled their efforts to keep their three-time player-of-the-year.

It is understood the goalkeeper could put pen to paper on the now agreed new contract, believed to be for a further three years with the option of a fourth, at the start of next week when he returns from extended leave following his time at the World Cup.

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That would keep the 31-year-old at Portman Road until he is 34, with the option of a further year taking him past his 35th birthday at a club he joined in the summer of 2014.

Bialkowski’s new deal will make him one of the club’s highest earners.

Speaking after today’s 2-0 friendly defeat at Braintree, Ipswich manager Paul Hurst said: “I think there was interest there and we want him to stay; that’s been the message from the start.

“I’m hopeful he will end up staying and we’re getting closer to that occurring. So hopefully that is the case.

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“We’re trying to sort out a new deal.”

Bialkowski could be involved in the Blues’ friendly against Crawley Town on Tuesday night although Jonas Knudsen, whose Denmark side reached the last 16 of the World Cup, has been given a further week off.