Richard Wright was today expected to put pen to paper and sign a new two-year contract with Ipswich Town.

The England goalkeeper was transfer-listed last month after failing to agree new terms with his hometown club.

But after weeks of speculation about his future - Arsenal, Chelsea, Celtic and Newcastle United were all interested in the £5 million-rated star - Wright is finally set to sign a new deal.

Manager George Burley revealed the news after the pre-season friendly at Colchester United on Friday.

He said: "Richard is one of the finest young goalkeepers in the country so we're very pleased he's going to be part of our team next season.

"He had to think long and hard and we got down to the nitty-gritty. But it was not down to finance because Richard wanted to play for the club in the Premiership next season.

"Martin O'Neill did speak to me about Richard but he did not put an offer in. If there had been one I would have told him the situation but I never got a bid from Celtic."

Striker David Johnson, who scored the third goal at Layer Road, added: "It's good news for Richard and the club. It would be a massive boost for us if we can keep him."

Celtic manager O'Neill is resigned to losing out on Wright and is already making contingency plans. The Bhoys' boss is poised to offer Manchester United goalkeeper Mark Bosnich a one-year loan move to Celtic.

He is a big fan of the Aussie shotstopper and hopes the promise of regular first-team football will be enough to lure Bosnich north of the border.

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