Ipswich seal Bates deal
Ipswich Town have completed the loan capture of Matthew Bates.
Ipswich Town have completed the loan capture of Matthew Bates, in a deal that will keep the young stopper at Portman Road until January.The 19-year-old Middlesbrough starlet has made 32 appearances in his Boro career thus far but is currently some way down Gareth Southgate's defensive pecking order.
Bates arrives at the Championship outfit in a bid to garner greater experience of first team football and it is likely he will be handed plenty of playing time with Jim Magilton's improving Town side.
The young tactician is confident Bates' versatility will prove invaluable over the next few months, with Bates scheduled to arrive at the club on Monday.
"Matthew can play anywhere across the back four and I'm delighted he is joining us on loan," Magilton confirmed to the club's website.
"He's a player we have been watching for a while and he will be with us until January.
"He's an ambitious young player who has already experienced Premiership football and is hungry to come here and show us what he can do."
Meanwhile, Ipswich are set to offer their supporters a chance to choose their new home shirt for next season.
Town agreed a new four-year kit deal with Mitre this week, and as a result, have decided to allow fans to vote on three shirt designs for next season's home kit.
The East Anglian club have been wearing their own brand in Punch for the last five seasons, with the club set to retain their current away kit for next season.
