Jamie Clapham was in talks with Birmingham City today to discuss a shock £1.5 million move to St Andrews.

The Ipswich Town midfielder travelled to the Midlands this morning to negotiate terms with Brum boss Steve Bruce.

Town and Birmingham have agreed a fee and, according to Clapham's agent Andrew Mills, there is a 'very good chance' a deal could be sealed in the next 24 hours.

Clapham himself refused to comment on the situation but Mills told the Evening Gazette: "Conversations between the clubs have been taking place.

"There's a certain uniqueness about this because I don't think the Ipswich chairman or manager want to lose Jamie.

"But such are the financial constraints facing the club they have no choice but to listen to serious bids and offers."

Town fans have become used to players like Matt Holland, Marcus Bent and Hermann Hreidarsson being linked with moves back to the Premiership.

But this possible deal has taken everyone by surprise.

However, Holland and Hreidarsson both turned down summer moves after fees were agreed with Premiership sides and Mills warned: "Jamie is by no means desperate to leave Ipswich.

"He is settled in the area and there is a genuine squad feeling the team are on their way back."

If Clapham does sign for Birmingham, he could make his debut in Sunday's home clash against champions Arsenal.

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Published Tuesday, January 7, 2003

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