Wayne Brown wants to sort out his future before the end of this week - with the most likely outcome to be a move to Gillingham.

The defender has been told he can leave Ipswich Town on a free transfer after more than six years' service at Portman Road.

Gillingham, Watford and Walsall are keen to sign him with the Kent side favourites to land his signature.

Looking to the future: Wayne Brown in action for Ipswich Town

And, while he is determined to make the right move for his career, Brown hopes to thrash out a deal this week.

He told the Gazette: "The whole issue has dragged on much longer than I expected so I want to get sorted soon.

"I've been in touch with a few clubs, including several from the lower divisions, but I've made it known I'd like to stay in Division One.

"Joe Royle has made it clear I don't figure in his plans and, while I appreciate him telling me straight away, it would have been nice to try and prove myself.

"I only played two games under him so I feel it was a bit harsh to let me go."

Watford look to be out of the running after boss Ray Lewington revealed his side cannot afford to pay Brown.

The defender joined Ipswich as a trainee in 1996 and was a hero of their play-off success at Wembley in 2000.

"I'm sad to be leaving but this kind of thing is part and parcel of football," said the Essex-born former Colchester United loanee.

Published Tuesday, December 17, 2002

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