IPSWICH Town are now battling four Championship rivals for the signature of Joel Ward after newly-promoted Sheffield Wednesday pulled out of the race to sign the versatile Portsmouth player.
With the Ward transfer saga set to conclude in the next day or two, the Sheffield Star has reported that Wednesday boss Dave Jones has decided against making a move for the 22-year-old.
The defender-cum-midfielder has already spoken to Ipswich, Leeds United, Crystal Palace and Burnley while Blackpool are believed to have entered the hunt at a late stage.
But Wednesday, who I understand would have interested Ward, have opted out of the scramble amid claims the Owls were reluctant to pay the fee of around �500,000 that Portsmouth are said to have agreed with others, including Town.
- Keep checking this website and tomorrow’s Ipswich Star/EADT for all the latest on Joel Ward
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