Hladky departs after stalemate in contract negotiations

Vaclav Hladky has departed Ipswich Town after failing to reach an agreement over a new contract.

The Czech stopper was a key man for the Blues last season as they secured automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Negotiations over a new deal started in January, with the 33-year-old always insisting he wanted to extend his stay at Portman Road.

However, an agreement couldn't be reached and he now finds himself a free agent on the day that Kieran McKenna's men returned for the start of pre-season training.

Signed by Paul Cook from Salford City in the summer of 2021, Hladky was back-up to Christian Walton for his first two seasons at the club. A foot injury sustained by Walton late last summer opened the door though and he subsequently started all 46 Championship games.

A club statement reads: "The club thanks Vas for his time at Town, and he departs with our very best wishes for the future."

Walton remains a Town player after the club recently took up their one-year extension option in his contract, with last season's third-choice keeper, Cieran Slicker, set to depart on loan.

Ipswich have been linked to several keepers in recent weeks, including Brighton's Carl Rushworth and Fenerbache's Dominik Livakovic.