Ipswich Town are closing in on the signing of Accrington central defender Janoi Donacien.
The 24-year-old Saint Lucian central defender was a key part of the Accrington side which won League Two last season, making 51 appearances in all competitions.
We understand the Blues have agreed a fee and have been given permission to talk to the defender, with personal terms and a medical still to be sorted.
Donacien, who can also play at right back spent time in both Tottenham and Aston Villa’s youth systems as a young player and it appears he is heading to Portman Road.
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Speaking today, Coleman told the Lancashire Telegraph: “I think it’s getting finalised today, not done yet, but I’d be surprised if he’s not an Ipswich player by tonight.”
The Blues are in desperate need of central defenders, with Luke Chambers currently the only senior centre-back in the Ipswich squad.
Luke Woolfenden has performed well during pre-season but, following the sale of Adam Webster to Bristol City earlier this summer, manager Paul Hurst has made no secret of his desire to move for central defenders.
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The Blues are thought to still be working on a move for Blackpool defender Curtis Tilt, with the two clubs thought to still be in negotiations in terms of a valuation.
Donacien is the second Accrington player linked with the Blues in recent days, with striker Kayden Jackson said to be a significant target for Hurst.
A string of Championship clubs are in the race for a player Stanley value at around £1.25m.
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Speaking about potential sales at the weekend, Coleman said: “We have had enquiries about five or six of our players. At the moment we’ve managed to keep hold of them.
“Bids are coming in and they are getting near to the numbers we should be getting for our players.
“Everyone has their price and if a bid comes in that matches that price then we can’t be turning down money that could be changing the club’s history.”
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