TWTD understands that Town have won the race to sign Tranmere Rovers left-back Aaron Cresswell. The Blues, who have been chasing the 21-year-old since the end of the season, have beaten West Brom and Doncaster Rovers to land the highly-rated full-back.

Cresswell, who is 5ft 7in tall, is out of contract this summer but due to his age and having been offered a new deal at Prenton Park, the League One side are entitled to compensation.

Last week, their manager Les Parry said that his club had turned down a compensation offer from a Championship side, presumably Town. If the clubs are unable to come to an agreement, the matter will go to a tribunal.

Parry also said that he expected Cresswell, whose Rovers contract is officially up today, to be at the first day of their pre-season training yesterday but, according to reports on the Wirral, he and other players in a similar position failed to show.

Cresswell made 71 starts and nine sub appearances for Rovers, scoring six goals, having come through the youth system at Prenton Park.

A set piece specialist and a tough-tackler, Cresswell likes to get forward and also played on the left of midfield when progressing through the ranks at Tranmere.

The youngster looks likely to sign on the dotted line at Portman Road in the next few days, providing left-back competition for Mark Kennedy.

The acquisition of another left-sided full-back could call into question Shane O’Connor’s future with TWTD understanding that the club received a couple of enquiries regarding the Irish youngster earlier in the summer. The 20-year-old, who is contracted for another year, turned down a loan move to Hereford last season.

Town start their pre-season programme at Playford Road tomorrow morning.

Story syndicated from TWTD.co.uk

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