FORMER Burnley defender Stephen Ward is poised for a move to Ipswich Town.

The former Republic of Ireland international has been training with the Tractor Boys since the start of the week, and the East Anglian Daily Times has reported that the 34-year-old has now been offered a deal by Paul Lambert.

Ward is said to have impressed the former Blackburn Rovers and Norwich City boss and his coaching staff during his early sessions with the League One club.

Ipswich's general manager of football operations, Lee O'Neill, confirmed earlier this week that Ward was with the squad.

“Stephen is with us for a little while,” he said.

“He’s training with us and will have a look at the club and we will have a look at him. It’s no more than that at this stage.”

The experienced left-back, has more than 400 first-team appearances under his belt and seven seasons in the Premier League, including four with Burnley in his five seasons at Turf Moor.

He left the Clarets last summer, joining Stoke City on a free transfer on a one-year deal.

Born in Dublin, Ward started his career in England at Wolves where he played under former Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy.

Ward spent seven years at Molineux before joining Burnley in August 2014.

He made over 100 league appearances for Burnley but featured in only three Premier League games in his final season with the Clarets.

Ward was capped 50 times by the Republic of Ireland after making his debut in 2011, announcing his international retirement last year.