Ipswich Town are in talks with trialists Dan Seaborne and Dean Gerken about permanent switches, the EADT understands.

East Anglian Daily Times: Dean Gerken, in action for former club Colchester UnitedDean Gerken, in action for former club Colchester United

Centre-back Seaborne and goalkeeper Gerken – released by Southampton and Bristol City respectively at the end of last season – both played 45 minutes of Town’s 2-0 pre-season win at Irish side Shelbourne on Saturday and are both due to be involved again when the Suffolk side travel to Crawley Town tomorrow night.

Blues boss Mick McCarthy had originally been looking for a new first choice goalkeeper, but the form of Scott Loach in the final few games of last season convinced him that limited funds were best spent elsewhere.

Gerken will almost certainly start the new campaign as the back-up custodian, but the 28-year-old – who was born in Essex and played more than 100 games just down the road at Colchester United – has plenty of experience and will certainly keep fans’ favourite Loach on his toes.

Seaborne has the rare achievement of earning promotion from the Conference, League Two, League One and Championship on his CV, having made his name at Exeter City and strengthened his reputation at Southampton.

The left-footed 26-year-old – who stands at 6ft 3in tall – didn’t make a Premier League appearance for the Saints last season and was loaned out to Charlton and Bournemouth. He’ll provide some much-needed competition for Luke Chambers and Tommy Smith in the central defensive department.

Meanwhile, the Blues are also reportedly closing in on Christophe Berra. Wolves paid £2.5m for the latter just three-and-a-half years ago, but the 28-year-old Scotland international – who has vast top-flight experience – was released following the Midlands club’s relegation to League One.

Town last night confirmed the straight swap deal which sees winger Paul Anderson arrive from Bristol City and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas head in the opposite direction. It’s understood that Town came to a financial agreement with the former Arsenal man regarding the final year of his contract.