Richard Keogh is closing in on a move to Ipswich Town from Blackpool, according to the Blackpool Gazette.

The Tractor Boys have been in pursuit of the defender throughout the summer, with the move now finally close to completion.

Blackpool had rejected two offers for the defender already this transfer window, but now an agreement has been reached between the two clubs.

The Irish international came through the youth academy at Ipswich, who have now offered him a two-year deal to make his return to the club.

The centre-back is hoping to move closer to his family, having grown up in Essex.

The defender joined the Seasiders last summer from Huddersfield Town, having only spent half a season with the Terriers.

He featured 29 times in the Championship for Neil Critchley’s side as they earned a 16th-place finish.

But he has yet to feature under Michael Appleton this season having missed the opening two fixtures due to a groin injury sustained during a pre-season friendly against Everton.

This move will see him drop down to League One in order to join Kieran McKenna’s side.

Blackpool will still have plenty of defensive options in Appleton’s squad, with the likes of Marvin Ekpiteta, Jordan Thorniley, Rhys Williams, and Doug Tharme all available for selection, with James Husband also another option if needed.

The Verdict

This will be a good addition to McKenna’s side with the defender bringing a strong level of experience to the squad.

He has also shown he is still more than capable of competing in the second division, so he should fit quite nicely into Ipswich’s side.

A two-year deal likely means it will be the last contract of his career, with the defender already pushing the limit of his abilities at 35.

But it will be a nice occasion for him to end his career where it began and moving closer to his family should keep him quite happy at Portman Road for the foreseeable future.