Ipswich close in on Arsenal defender

Ipswich are close to finalising a season-long loan deal for teenage Arsenal defender Justin Hoyte.

The 19-year-old, who can play at full-back or in a central role, has won England youth honours and last season graduated to play twice at Under-21 level.

He has made four senior appearances for the Gunners and Highbury boss Arsene Wenger is keen to allow him to move on loan in order to gain first-team experience.

Ipswich boss Joe Royle claimed at the weekend that he was hopeful of signing a young Premiership defender on loan, but refused to reveal his identity.

Royle dismissed earlier reports linking the Tractor Boys with a number of other possible targets and, when asked about Hoyte, would only say: “I am not confirming or denying anything.”