Bantams move for Armstrong

BRADFORD City have approached Ipswich Town to take Alun Armstrong in their bid to escape relegation, writes Derek Davis.

Bantams boss Bryan Robson swooped for Armstrong to strengthen his strike force after drawing a blank at home in their two-goal defeat by Rotherham on Saturday.

Bradford may look to take Armstrong initially on loan and will want Ipswich to help with the striker's wages.

Blues chairman David Sheepshanks last night confirmed City chairman Gordon Gibb had been in touch but added that it was too early to discuss details.

He said: "An enquiry about Alun has been made by Bradford City and I'm still in discussion with their chairman."

Further talks are expected to take place today and if a deal is agreed Armstrong will consider making the move to Valley Parade and link up with his old boss.

Robson knows all about Armstrong after signing him for Middlesbrough from Stockport County for £1.6m in February 1998. The former England captain then sold Armstrong to Ipswich for £600,000 after injuries wrecked his first team hopes.

The 28-year-old has hit 19 goals in 63 games for the Blues, including some memorable European goals – the winner against Inter Milan at Portman Road in the UEFA Cup and another goal from the penalty spot in the San Siro.

Armstrong is available on a free transfer and showed well in a patchy first team period this season, netting twice in five starts.

He has also looked good in the reserves, scoring five goals in two games before suffering a gashed leg against Tottenham Hotspur reserves two weeks ago.

Derby County were keen to land Armstrong, with former Blues boss George Burley making a loan offer, but Armstrong, whose contract expires in the summer, was looking for a more permanent move.

Armstrong's last first team appearance was as a substitute for Town at Pride Park.

Although not in the 16 for the 2-0 defeat by Norwich City yesterday, Armstrong was at Portman Road to watch the game.