Ipswich Town were due yesterday to complete the free transfer signing of Charlton keeper Mike Salmon.

Blues boss George Burley moved for the experienced stopper - who is to sign a two-year contract - after Lee Bracey's departure to Hull earlier this month.

The move could not have come at a better time for Salmon - 35 today - who saw his chances of first team football slip away at the Valley.

Charlton boss Alan Curbishley signed Bury's highly-rated keeper Dean Kiely last month and Salmon found himself fourth in the pecking order behind Sasa Ilic and ex-Heybridge Swifts man Simon Royce.

The move to Ipswich - as cover for England keeper Richard Wright - will give the former Blackburn and Bolton man a new challenge.

Burley said: "Mike is an experienced player and we are pleased to have got him."

Burley also confirmed he is looking for a left-sided player after Bobby Petta completed a move to Glasgow Celtic.

He said: "Signing someone to replace Petta must be a priority but it may be we have to sell before we can buy. I don't want to sell anyone, but that's the hard facts of managing Ipswich."

The speculation surrounding Kieron Dyer and Richard Wright's future at the club continues, although it is looking more and more likely they will start the season in Blues colours.

Burley said: "If a club comes in with a suitable bid, Kieron knows we will have a look at it and we are keeping him informed."

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