Ipswich Town defender John McGreal has agreed a three-year deal with Championship rivals Burnley.
The 'pull of the north west' was the major factor in the Liverpudlian's decision to move closer to home. McGreal has already passed his medical and is poised to sign on the dotted line on July 1.
He said: "Ipswich offered me a one-year deal at the end of last season, which I wasn't completely happy with.
"Since then I've spoken to a few clubs and have agreed to join Burnley.
"I've met Steve Cotterill (Clarets' boss) and he made me feel most welcome and I'm looking forward to the new challenge."
The 32-year-old, who made 150 appearances for the Blues, said: "I'll be sad to leave Ipswich after five years as that's where I played the best football of my career.
"But because of the geography I've decided to move back up north as I'll only be an hour's drive from home."
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Published Thursday June 17, 2004
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