Ipswich Town to talk to Falkirk's Murray Wallace

Ipswich Town boss Paul Jewell says he has had an offer accepted for Falkirk defender Murray Wallace, but expects competition for his signature.

The 19-year-old has impressed for the Bairns since making his Scottish First Division debut in August.

"He's a player I've watched for quite a while," Jewell told BBC Radio Suffolk .

"But we've got some competition. He met Brighton Thursday and he'll come here on Sunday after his big game [in a League Cup semi-final] against Celtic."

MURRAY WALLACE

  • Born: 10 January, 1993
  • Started out in the Rangers academy before completing his football education at Falkirk
  • Made his debut as an 84th-minute substitute in 1-0 First Division defeat by Raith Rovers in August
  • His two goals so far came in back-to-back games against Livingston and Ross County in November
  • Has gone on to feature 23 times to date, taking in 21 starts

The highly-rated centre-half has gone on to establish himself in Steven Pressley's side this term, making 21 starts and scoring twice.

"He's got a couple of other clubs interested in him who have agreed a fee with Falkirk," added Jewell.

"There's a long way to go on that yet but we're in with a fighting chance."

The Town boss is waiting for responses on a number of other offers he has made for players, including Portsmouth duo Joel Ward and Jason Pearce  .

Jewell has already had two approaches for midfielder Ward and defender Pearce rejected.

"We hope to have a few players in by Tuesday but we're at the mercy of other people," he said.

"It's frustrating nothing's been done. These things take time but it's driving me up the wall.

"If they don't get accepted we'll have to look elsewhere. We have got other options but January is a really tough time to buy players."

Jewell also confirmed he had given up his pursuit of sought after Crewe striker Nick Powell.

"He's not for sale, certainly at the valuation we put on him," he said.

"We made an offer we thought was reasonable but they didn't think it was up to what they wanted and that's life."