Ward Transfer Saga Latest
Ipswich target Joel Ward has NOT had a medical at Championship rivals Crystal Palace, despite rumours to the contrary.
But TWTD can reveal that the South London club have been told by the player's representatives that the £500,000-rated Portsmouth utility man is set to end the long-running transfer saga and decide over the weekend which club he is going to join.
A source close to the Eagles said: "There is no truth in the rumours that Ward has already had a medical at Palace. They are still waiting to hear which club he will be joining.
"All they know at this stage is that it has become a two-horse race between themselves and another Championship club, which could or could not be Ipswich."
The fact that Town have yet to receive a response to the take-it-or-leave-it offer made by club owner Marcus Evans several weeks ago, when 22-year-old Ward visited Portman Road and the training ground for discussions, suggests they remain in contention to sign him.
But despite reports that Leeds are out of the running TWTD understands the position at Elland Road is that they must first sell a player before being able to conclude a deal for Ward.
If boss Neil Warnock is able to raise the much-needed cash over the next couple of days he could move quickly to reunite Ward with his former Fratton Park colleague, central defender Jason Pearce, another player who was on Town boss Paul Jewell's wanted list.
Leeds' position could explain why Ward has waited so long to decide where his future lies, although it now seems the player is close to finally revealing which club has won the race for his signature.
Story syndicated from TWTD.co.uk
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