Ipswich Town are closing in on the signing of Anthony Pilkington.

If reports are to be believed by the East Anglian Daily Times, then the Cardiff City winger could soon be arriving at Portman Road on a permanent deal.

Paul Lambert is looking to strengthen his side as they look to try and claw back a ten-point deficit at the bottom of the Championship.

And a move for the 30-year-old, who he worked with at Norwich City, looks to be on the cards.

Pilkington made just one start for the Bluebirds last season and has failed to feature under Neil Warnock at all this term, despite featuring over 100 times during his time in Wales.

The wide-man is out of contract in the summer and with Town close to filling their quota of loan players – a maximum of five in their matchday squad – the former Norwich and Huddersfield could well be a full-time addition.

The verdict

Both the player and the manager know one another well, and this could well be a positive move for all concerned.

The points gap looks like a near-impossible situation to come back from, but with new blood in the side and a cohesive unit going forward, anything can happen.

Pilkington has been kicking his heels for some time now, and a move to Portman Road could reignite his career despite hitting 30-years-old.

There is still life in Pilkington, and if anyone will be able to get the best out of him, it is Paul Lambert, who was his boss at Norwich City.

A permanent capture would be even more impressive considering Ipswich’s current position but I would imagine a deal until the end of the season would be the best course of action for all parties involved.