Fabian Wilnis has been granted a testimonial by Ipswich Town.

The Dutchman spent nearly ten years at the club but was not offered a new contract when his deal expired at the end of last season.

Wilnis joined Town in January 1999 from De Graafschap and went on to make 325 appearances.

He helped them win promotion to the Premier League, after going up via the play-offs at Wembley in May 2000.

And he scored one of their first goals back in the top flight - a memorable strike against Manchester United at Portman Road in August 2000.

He also played for Town in the UEFA Cup and cemented his place in Blues folklore with a brilliant goal at arch rivals Norwich City in 2003.

Wilnis told the Gazette: "It's fantastic news.

"I'm very thankful to the club for making this possible - I feel proud and privilged to have played for them for so long.

"At the moment we're not sure who the opposition will be or when the match will take place, but I'll be sitting down with my committe to make the arrangements.

"It'll be a great day and already something I'm really looking forward to."

Town boss Jim Magilton said: "Fabian has been a fantastic servant to this football club and has to be one of the best signings Ipswich have made.

"Not only has he been a team-mate of mine, he's been a friend as well and has been a tremendous ambassador for the club.

"He fully deserves his testimonial and I'm sure it'll be a success."

Wilnis is currently weighing up his options as to what to do next.

The popular defender is taking his coaching badges this summer so moving into that area is one option, although he has not yet ruled out playing on for another season.

A committee representing the player approached Town about hosting a match as part of a testimonial year and Blues chief executive Derek Bowden said: "Given his time and service to the club, we were happy to oblige."

Meanwhile, Ipswich are hoping to sign Manchester City striker Emile Mpenza, according to his agent, Rachid Tajhout.

Tajhout says he expects his player to receive an offer of a contract within the next few days.

"We have had good discussions with Ipswich and hope to receive an offer in the next week or so," he said.

Tajhout confirmed that Ipswich first wanted to sign Mpenza - available on a free transfer - on loan in March, but the player was not fit at that stage.

Mpenza, 29, is also interesting Bolton, Reading, Leicester and Trabzonspor, while Stoke were understood to be monitoring his situation back in April.