Town’s chances of landing long-time target Joel Ward appear to have vastly increased with Leeds reported to be out of the running as their situation presently stands. As widely rumoured over the weekend, the Blues would seem to be the favourites to sign the 22-year-old Portsmouth defender or midfielder, who is said to be close to finally making his decision.

Leeds, the one-time frontrunners, are believed to have had trouble raising the fee which is understood to be in the region of £450,000.

Town and the Whites were two of six Championship clubs targeting Ward. Sheffield Wednesday were reported to have withdrawn from the race earlier in the week, while we understand Crystal Palace were unable to match the personal terms available elsewhere.

Burnley, managed by Eddie Howe, who was in charge at Bournemouth during Ward’s spell on loan with the Cherries, would appear to be the other strong contenders and along with Blackpool are also believed to have spoken to the one-time Pompey trainee.

Meanwhile, the Blues are close to adding 16-year-old 6ft 5in tall Norwegian keeper Michael Crowe to their Academy ranks for next season. Crowe, whose father is English and whose sister is at college locally, is currently with Kristiansand-based club IK Start.

Photo: Action Images

Photo: Action Images

Guthrum added 23:47 - May 24 I'd take it as a compliment to Town if he signs for us after lengthy consideration. Obvious that Ward doesn't really want to leave Portsmouth, his home-town club and where he's been a player since he was 17, where his family and friends are going to be, but compelled to do so by circumstances beyond his control. If he does come, shows that Ipswich is still a decent and homely place to welcome young, talented players.

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Sindre94 added 23:51 - May 24 AND. We worked tightly with Start when Bobby was in charge for us, we have a good relationship with the club.
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Sindre94 added 23:52 - May 24 Nope. I have never seen the lad.He might play for the Norwegian Ipswich fan team. When we enter the annual supporterscup in june!
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bluewarrior added 00:00 - May 25 This is hilarious. Six decent sides chasing the bloke and yet every other poster argues the logic having never watched the bloke play! Priceless.
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harlingblue added 00:56 - May 25 Joel Ward was born in Portsmouth, made it with his local side, he probably would like to stay there but the financial plight that they are in means he has to move on. Can you blame him for not really knowing who he should sign for. My message to him is just look at what Cresswell has done, moved into the unknown and grasped it with both hands!
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ozzydog added 06:06 - May 25 Quite funny if ITFC pulled out as well, that would really feck him and portsmouth up,of course this may well be a possibility if he keeps pouncing about.
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DiamondGezzer added 06:34 - May 25 I'm sure we'll all know before the season begins Also, sixteen and six feet five, he must sleep in a grow bag !
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andygizmo added 07:57 - May 25 He used to be indecisive now he's not so sure. He must be fun inshops when he is tryiong to buy something.
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Texaco73 added 08:08 - May 25 Of course he's close to decision. Clubs are dropping out of the race so the decision is being made for him. I think this guy is going to be rubbish for us. He's going to be lost without his bath buddy and his mummy. He's already got work to do to win the fans over after this saga unfortunately. Hope he proves me wrong or do us a favour and go elsewhere.
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Stato added 08:26 - May 25 how many 6 foot 5 inch goalkeepers are first choice in the prem ?
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Stato added 08:27 - May 25 how many 6 foot 5 inch goalkeepers are first choice in the prem ?
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Stato added 08:27 - May 25 how many 6 foot 5 inch goalkeepers are first choice in the prem ?
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BoredWithThisNow added 08:41 - May 25 Bored with this now
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RetroBlue added 08:57 - May 25 Ward soon wont have any "choice" to make , as the various Clubs drop out. I thought Town were not going to get into a bidding war? So if Clubs are dropping out (how the hell cant Leeds afford £400k?), does this not suggest that Ward is more about how much he can screw out of a club than the playing part? Do we want a player that 5 months ago was shown round , yet still hasn't made his mind up yet - but he will sign ofr us if no other club is willing to top Town's offer??

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Guthrum added 09:11 - May 25 For goodness sake - it's his first ever permanent transfer and, until about a month ago he probably thought there was a chance Pompey could be saved (financially and/or relegation-wise) and he would be able to stay! Give the poor bloke a bit of slack, we aren't at the end of May, yet.
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BoredWithThisNow added 09:19 - May 25 What other employer would offer you a job and then allow you 5 months to pontificate whilst other companies also try to entice you? As an employer you'd look like a pretty desperate sap and, reasonably, ask yourself whether it might be time to get out there and find someone who really wants to work for you and is not just using you as a fall back, last resort place to go. We really look desperate and that's not a great image for any prospective employer.

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RetroBlue added 09:41 - May 25 Ward wouldnt be the first player to "use" us to secure a better deal elsewhere. WE havent got a bloody clue how to negotiate, to when to walk away from the table
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BlueBailey24 added 09:45 - May 25 I understand the guy needs to think about his future but what annoys me is the club set deadlines when they want an answer by and they are always broken. want an answer by Wednesday.... not Friday. Leadbitter we want the contract signed or turned down by the end of the week......... 3 weeks later he is still pondering. Needs to be more authority when it comes to these things as we are continously being played against other clubs.

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RetroBlue added 09:45 - May 25 Guthrum: It was Pearce's first ever permanent signing too I believe - he didn't take 5 months to make his mind up did he ? Id love to think Ward will choose us and that we win that race for his signature. but I cant help start to think that he IS using us , and if all other interested parties drop out (walk away?), that he will sign for us because he couldnt get what he wanted at these other clubs.

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Brazils_Hair added 09:49 - May 25 A bit bored now about Ward. What a time waster. If he signs then fine, but for heanens sake man make a decision and stop being a girl. Much more interested in the keeper part of the story. If Sindre reckons he is good then that is good enough for me!
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hollywoodginge added 09:51 - May 25 He's goin to Palace according to EADT
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irishtim added 09:57 - May 25 Has passed medical at palace
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algarvefan added 10:04 - May 25 Ok, so if he signs, he signs, but there are more important areas of the pitch that need strengthening! I would like to see us get in early this summer and not be adding players in pre-season.
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RetroBlue added 10:08 - May 25 sod him. Move on. He's hardly a top target ...."potential"? ...is he !
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Legend added 10:10 - May 25 He is Palace bound. It's sad times that the lad sees Palace a better prospect than us! It's more likely that Clegg and co have offered him a fantastic 2 year, £27.50 a week deal. It's going to be a long boring summer.....................
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