Ambrose deal close to completion

Last updated : 24 March 2003 By Martyn Elliott

The fee for the 19-year-old has widely been reported as £2.5million, although it seems unlikely that we will see Ambrose in action at St James’ Park this season.

As the Tractor Boys are currently in administration Ambrose would theoretically be allowed to play for us as long as the deal is completed before Thursday’s transfer deadline. However it is rumoured that we will agree to loan him back to the Portman Road club for the rest of the season.

Speaking about the proposed move the player’s agent told the East Anglian Daily Times: "Things have moved very quickly for Darren. One minute he was told he was on the bench to play Brighton and few hours later he was told the club had accepted an offer from Newcastle and he was free to talk to them.

"Darren has never planned to leave Ipswich and would love to stay but, as you can understand, when a club like Newcastle shows this sort of interest in you then you should go and talk to them. He has been at Ipswich since he was ten and has a soft spot for them. He is very happy here and would love to finish the season with Ipswich."