Hermann Hreidarsson has become Ipswich Town's record signing after completing a £4 million move to Portman Road.

The Wimbledon centre-half and his agent travelled to Ipswich yesterday to discuss personal terms with Town boss George Burley and chairman David Sheepshanks.

Hreidarsson, 26, will be unveiled at a press conference later this week if he passes a medical after returning from international duty in his native Iceland.

Burley said: "Wimbeldon were reluctant to sell Hermann because he's a key member of their team. They wanted to keep him but couldn't refuse the amount we were offering.

"He's a player I've always liked because he's strong, aggressive and has plenty of pace. He is a great addition to our squad."

Hreidarsson, who played for Brentford at Portman Road in the Worthington Cup last season before moving to Selhurst Park, is expected to line up for Town at Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

He started his career in England with Crystal Palace and is especially good at bringing the ball forward from defence.

Celtic chief Martin O'Neill today (Monday) scotched rumours linking striker Tommy Johnson with a move to Portman Road.

Ipswich have also been linked with Dundee United's £1.5 million-rated defender Jason De Vos.

Burley was delighted with Town's performance in the 1-1 draw against Fiorentina on Saturday.

He said: "This result will give us confidence for Tottenham. Fiorentina are a top class side and we had to play well to deal with them, but my players have a belief in their own ability.

"I'm confident we are going to have a good season in the Premiership. If I was offered a 17th place finish now I would take it, but obviously we are aiming much higher."

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.