Ipswich Town are close to a deal to sign central defender Matthew Pennington on loan from Everton.

The Blues have until 5pm this evening to complete loan deals prior to the window closing, with a defender an area of need.

It is understood Pennington could arrive before that deadline, with a deal until January currently being worked on.

The 23-year-old spent last season on loan in the Championship with Leeds United, while he has also had temporary spells with Tranmere, Walsall and Coventry.

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He has made seven Premier League appearances for the Toffees.

Leeds, Blackburn and Wigan are said to have shown an interest in Pennington this summer, with the defender signing a new three-year contract with Everton as recently as May.

He could go straight into the Ipswich squad for Sunday’s clash with Norwich City, covering for the suspended Toto Nsiala.

Pennington would become the sixth loanee in manager Paul Hurst’s squad, with only five able to be included in a matchday squad. There is provision for Janoi Donacien’s loan from Accrington Stanley to be made permanent outside the transfer window for £750,000, once work permit issues have been resolved.

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Ipswich boss Paul Hurst has been trailing Curtis Tilt of Blackpool throughout the summer but, with the deal stalling once again earlier this week, they have not returned to try and force it through today. Tilt is out of contract at the end of this season but Blackpool hold an option to extend that deal for a further year.

Former Blues captain Gareth McAuley, another player being looked at by Hurst, is seriously interesting Hearts and Rangers in Scotland.

Danny Batth was linked by the Daily Mail on Thursday night, but he is expected to move elsewhere.