GOALKEEPER Richard Wright could be on his way back to Portman Road - and that's official.

Elvin King

GOALKEEPER Richard Wright could be on his way back to Portman Road - and that's official.

Ipswich Town manager Jim Magilton today confirmed that he has made an approach to West Ham for the former England goalkeeper who did so well between the posts for the Blues during manager George Burley's reign.

Magilton, who is set to sell midfielder Gavin Williams later today, said of Wright who left Portman Road in 2001 to join Arsenal: “Richard is a very good goalkeeper and I feel he would be at his best playing for Ipswich Town.

“There is no secret that I wanted him 12 months ago, but it did not happen possibly because something was lost in translation.

“You will have to ask him if he made the right decision to move to West Ham, who were of course in the Premier League.

“An approach has been made but it is early days and if it does not happen then we have other irons in the fire.”

Magilton also confirmed that he expects to appoint a goalkeeping coach to replace Andy Rhodes before the end of the week.

The Town players returned to training this morning without former international Williams who is believed to be undergoing a medical prior to completing a move away from Ipswich.

Sources in the west Country have said Bristol City are the club involved in the deal.

A fee has been agreed and personal terms have also been accepted by Williams, whose time at Ipswich has been affected by injury.

Town paid £300,000 for him from West Ham and it is understood that they will recoup more than that when the current deal is completed.

“Gavin is a lively person and he is a very good footballer,” said Magilton.

“If he can settle down and concentrate on football he can do very well for his new club and we would wish him well.

“Injuries did not help him here but he served us very well and at times he looked a fantastic player.”

Apart from Williams, Alex Bruce and Owen Garvan were missing this morning as the latter two have been given an extra two weeks off because of their involvement with the Republic of Ireland squad at the end of May.