Ipswich Town goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski has today signed a new three-year contract at Portman Road, announced the club on their official website

The Polish shot-stopper, who has been voted club player of the season for three consecutive seasons, had been subject to interest from Birmingham City last week and there were concerns he could leave the Tractor Boys.

But the 31-year-old has squashed any of those fears by committing to Paul Hurst's plans.

Ipswich owner Marcus Evans confirmed that there was interest in the goalkeeper, but that he was never close to leaving.

"We did receive bids for Bart but they were rejected very quickly,” Evans told the club's official website.

“Bart made it clear he wanted to stay as well but it was important to reach an agreement that was right for all parties.

“I’m delighted that we have been able to do that.”

Bialkowski, who has recently returned from international duty with Poland at the World Cup, signed for Ipswich in the summer of 2014, moving from Notts County for an undisclosed fee.

He has made 157 Championship appearances and kept 48 clean sheets in his time at the club.

The verdict 

This feels like as important a piece of business as Ipswich will do this season.

When you have a solid and reliable Championship standard goalkeeper, you do not want to lose him.

Getting Bialkowski to commit to a three-year deal gives new manager Paul Hurst some solidity on which to build his squad for the season.