Championship relegation candidates Ipswich Town are edging ever closer to securing a permanent deal for midfielder Alan Judge.

Judge has been at Portman Road regaining his form and fitness following serious injury, and has managed to suitably impress manager Paul Lambert at Portman Road during his time with the club.

And now, according to respected journalist Alan Nixon, Lambert and the Tractor Boys are ready to offer Judge a permanent two year contract with the club.

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With League One football looking an almost certainty given they sit bottom of the pile in the Championship, Lambert will see the signing of someone like Judge as the ideal sort of player to add to his squad if they are to immediately bounce back from the third tier.

The Irish international was seen as one of the most sought after players outside of the Premier League only a few seasons back, but a horrific leg break put paid to his chances of earning a move to the top flight, and he struggled to make a return to Brentford following the injury.

However, with Ipswich giving him his chance back at first-team football, Judge will no doubt be keen to repay their faith by signing any deal offered to him at Portman Road.

The Verdict

This might be the best thing Ipswich do as they head into League One.

If Judge can stay fit, and get anywhere near back to his best, then he'll dominate in the third tier in all honesty.

It's a good move by Ipswich, and should be one that works out for all parties.