Town boss Paul Jewell says the Blues are close to completing the signing of a keeper, but stopped short of naming him as Watford’s Scott Loach. Town are understood to have agreed a fee with the Hornets for the 24-year-old former England U21 international.

Jewell said: “The one we’re going for, we’re quite a long way down the line with that one. I don’t really comment on speculation but we’re hoping to tie the goalkeeping one up pretty soon.

“We’ve been chasing a goalkeeper for a while and we’re hoping it’s going to happen in the next few days.”

The Blues manager isn’t counting his chickens but is hopeful the deal will be done, although probably not in time for the keeper to join up with the squad before they return from Holland on Friday: “I don’t want to sound too confident as we’ve been down this route before, but we’re hopeful of getting the one that we want.”

Slovakian international keeper Marian Kello is currently on trial with the Blues and played the second half of the 1-1 draw with Helmond Sport.

Jewell was pleased with the 29-year-old’s performance, although he was largely untroubled: “The goalkeeper Kello didn’t have a lot to do in the second half but looked competent.

“We know him because he was at Hearts and he went to Aston Villa to train at the end of last season when he came out of contract at Hearts.

“He’s got a couple offers off a couple of clubs in Turkey, but he’s an experienced keeper and one we’re looking at.”

Meanwhile, Richard Wright is understood to be weighing up whether to hang up his gloves and take up a role coaching with the academy.

The 34-year-old recently left Preston after only a few days having been released by the Blues at the end of last season.

Story syndicated from TWTD.co.uk

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