Pim a wanted man by the Bees of Brentford
PIM Balkestein might be unwanted by Ipswich Town, but he is very much a “wanted man” in the eyes of Brentford.
Town boss Roy Keane decided against taking up the option of a third year on Dutch defender Balkestein’s contract, at the end of the recent season, following his initial two-year stay at Portman Road.
But Balkestein already has options for next season, with his former loan club Brentford eager to snap him up on a permanent basis.
The 23-year-old made 14 appearances for the Bees, during two separate spells at Griffin Park last season.
And manager Andy Scott would love to make Balkestein a permanent fixture for next term, as he bids to build on Brentford’s recent mid-table finish in League One.
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Scott revealed: “I want to bring in two new centre-backs to challenge them (his other defenders) next season.
“I haven’t made an offer to Pim Balkestein yet, although I have spoken to him twice, and he’s going back to Holland to have an operation on his nose and groin.
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“He’s been told he won’t get a new contract at Ipswich, but he still wants to play in the Championship. However, if that doesn’t materialise, he said he loved his time here and would be happy to return.”
Whether Balkestein receives an offer to stay in the Championship remains to be seen, but he could well end up back in west London before this summer is out.
Balkestein arrived at Portman Road from Dutch club Heerenveen during the summer of 2008, and went on to play 29 league games for Town, mostly as a centre-half, but also occasionally as a left-back.
But since last August, he only started three games for Town, including the dismal 4-0 home defeat at the hands of future champions Newcastle.
