WRIGHT AGREES NEW DEAL WITH IPSWICH

Wright's agent, Jonathan Barnett, revealed the news on Monday with Wright in Spain with the rest of his team mates after a mini break.

"We are almost there and I confidently expect that Richard will have signed before he has his operation," Barnett told the Suffolk Star.

"It is all agreed in principle and it's just a question of a little bit of the wording on the new agreement. We are near enough there. There are just a small few things to finalise."

The talks certainly went smoother than last summer when Barnett often clashed with Town chairman David Sheepshanks over a contract for Wright.

Eventually, the two agreed a deal for Wright until the summer of 2002, but following their sensational campaign, the club were keen to tie Wright to Portman Road for a longer spell.

"The negotiations have been fine and despite what some people may think, I now enjoy a good relationship with David Sheepshanks," he added.

Wright's operation means he will be unavailable for England's clashes with Mexico and Greece.