NOTTINGHAM Forest captain Luke Chambers is close to agreeing a free transfer switch to Championship rivals Ipswich Town.

The 26-year-old is out of contract after Saturday and though he has been coveted by Premier League sides in the past, his dip in form last year had seen that interest wane.

That has left the door open for Paul Jewell to swoop with a deal hoping to be concluded in time for the official start of pre-season in seven days time.

Sources close to the player have suggested that Forest boss Steve Cotterill has conceded that the stalling over his club’s takeover have forced the former City player of the year to look elsewhere.

And we understand Jewell is confident he will get his man – following the signing of promising teenage right-back Elliott Hewitt.

At least one new centre-back was a top priority for the Blues boss who currently just has left-footed duo Damien Delaney and Tommy Smith as options, with the latter in danger of missing the start of the season due to his Olympic involvement.