IPSWICH Town will have Argentinean midfielder Luciano Civelli at Portman Road at the weekend.

Elvin King

By ELVIN KING

elvin.king@archant.co.uk

IPSWICH Town will have Argentinean midfielder Luciano Civelli at Portman Road at the weekend. And the 22-year-old who holds an Italian passport is then expected to complete his transfer from Buenos Aires-based Club Banfield.

Civelli is leaving South America to fly to the UK later today, with Banfield having reportedly agreed to allow Civelli join Town.

Banfield are said to have signed all the papers relating to the deal with Town to complete the formalities at Portman Road.

Civelli has been training this week in Mar del Plata while discussions have continued between the clubs regarding what is now reported as a �800,000 deal for 50% of the player's rights.

Ipswich are still looking to hold his full registration - and talks will continue on this aspect.

The 6ft 1�in player started his career as a left-back but now operates as a left midfielder. He is said to be a good crosser of the ball and a strong tackler.

Prior to Town's interest, Civelli was linked with a move to Greek side AEK Athens and is the younger brother of Olympique Marseille sweeper Renato.

Civelli has made 68 appearances for his current club, scoring eight goals, since making his debut in 2006. Nicknamed 'Lucho', he was previously with hometown side Estudiantes Unidos de Pehuajo.

Town scouts Steve McCall and Simon Hunt spotted Civelli on their trip to Argentina in the autumn looking for January additions to the squad.

Town have contacts in Argentina with scout Horacio Lorda, who was involved in the deal that saw Mauricio Taricco join the Blues in the nineties, well versed in how football deals are achieved in Argentina.

Civelli does not need a work permit, and if personal terms can be agreed for a player keen to play in England can be agreed then he could be in the squad for next Tuesday's Championship game at Barnsley or more likely at home to Plymouth on Saturday week.

If the Civelli deal does fall down Town are reported to be keeping an eye on Dutch club RKC Waalwijk left-sided midfielder Ferne Snoyl.

The 23-year-old, who can also operate at left-back, had a loan spell at Aberdeen before a move to NEC Nijmegen in 2006. His contract was terminated a year later after an arrest for a domestic incident and turning up to pre-season training overweight.

RKC Waalwijk signed him and he helped them second place in the Dutch Second Division.

quickly offered Leidschendam-born Snoyl a return to action and he has impressed with the Eerste.

N (SQUARE) IPSWICH Town have re-arranged their FA Youth Cup fifth round game against Watford for Portman Road on Monday, February 9 with a 7pm kick-off. It was originally programmed for February 2.