Ipswich Town close to signing Kjell Scherpen from Union Saint-Gilloise

Ipswich Town are reportedly on the verge of signing Kjell Scherpen from Union Saint-Gilloise, with negotiations entering the final stages after the Premier League club indicated they are willing to meet the Belgian side's valuation.

The Dutch goalkeeper has emerged as Ipswich's preferred option between the posts, with reports suggesting an agreement on the key aspects of the transfer is now close.

If completed, Scherpen would return to English football after previously spending time at Brighton & Hove Albion.

Reports claim Ipswich are prepared to satisfy Union Saint-Gilloise's financial demands in order to complete the transfer.

Negotiations are understood to have progressed significantly, with both clubs now close to reaching agreement on the main terms of the deal.

While the final transfer fee has not been disclosed, the move is described as being close to completion.

Scherpen previously joined Brighton & Hove Albion in 2021 but struggled to establish himself in the first team.

The goalkeeper made just one senior appearance for the Seagulls before spending loan spells at KV Oostende, Vitesse and Sturm Graz.

A move to Ipswich would hand the 26-year-old another opportunity to prove himself in the Premier League.

Since leaving Brighton, Scherpen has rebuilt his reputation with a series of impressive performances.

During a two-year loan spell at Sturm Graz, he kept 17 clean sheets in 67 appearances before joining Union Saint-Gilloise.

Last season, the Dutchman recorded 21 clean sheets in 43 matches, establishing himself as one of Belgium's standout goalkeepers.

Leeds United had also been linked with Scherpen, but Ipswich now appear to be leading the race.

Union Saint-Gilloise are expected to make a substantial profit on the goalkeeper, who is currently valued at around €8 million, although the final fee could be higher.

Ipswich believe Scherpen has the experience and form to become their first-choice goalkeeper ahead of the new campaign.

Ipswich Town are expected to finalise an agreement with Union Saint-Gilloise in the coming days as they look to complete the signing of Kjell Scherpen. A successful deal would give the newly promoted club a new first-choice goalkeeper ahead of the Premier League season.