BEN Thatcher has been handed the chance to sign for Ipswich Town.

Derek Davis

BEN Thatcher has been handed the chance to sign for Ipswich Town.

Blues boss Jim Magilton made the offer after the tough-tackling defender impressed during the three game trip to Belfast.

Thatcher has returned to his London home to mull things over but a deal could be struck before Saturday's home game with West Brom.

Magilton said: “I have offered Ben something and he has gone home to talk it over with his family. If he decides on coming here then we will then sit down and talk terms and go from there.”

The 32-year-old is a free agent after leaving Charlton and would provide the extra steel and experience in the Town defence Magilton has been searching for.

The former Millwall, Wimbledon, Spurs, Leicester City and Manchester City full back will need to be a little careful for the next couple of months should he sign for Town as he has a suspended 15-match ban hanging over his head in relation to an incident involving Portsmouth's Pedro Mendes, in August 2006.

If Thatcher signs he will be Magilton's fifth summer capture, with a couple more possibilities coming in.

The Blues are still waiting on an answer from Czech Republic international Rudi Skácel, who played a part in the Saints' friendly at Weymouth last night.

Although he started doubt as an attacking left sided midfielder Skácel has been used more recently as a left back, and a wing back.

Skácel is concerned a move to a Championship club would jeopardise his international career and is looking at his options.

Another option in that flexible role is Honduras international Emilio Izaguirre who flew in from Central America yesterday.

He could get a run out for the Blues in the game at Tiptree tomorrow if his jet lag is not too bad.

Izaguirre is a 22-year-old left footed wing-back who currently plays for Motagua in the Honduran league and is on a 10-day trial.

He had hoped to travel with Town to Belfast but a ticket mix up meant he was late arriving in England.

Striker Angelos Charisteas remains a Town target, although they are ready to turn their attentions elsewhere as the Greek international drags his feet, with Stoke City showing more than a passing interest.

A Town XI go to Gillingham tonight but Kevin Lisbie will not be involved, while Town will decide on Richard Wright this morning.

Another Town XI will travel to Tiptree United tomorrow in match promised by Town after an administrative error led to them being excluded from two cup competitions, and the Jam-makers were promised a friendly with a strong Ipswich side comprising some first-teamers.