Town are closing in on the permanent signing of loanee frontman Daryl Murphy, according to reports in Scotland. Despite Blues boss Paul Jewell playing down the chances of the Celtic frontman returning to Portman Road on a permanent basis next season, chief executive Simon Clegg hinted that a deal could still be done when speaking to TWTD a fortnight ago.

The Bhoys are believed to want a fee of £300,000 for the Irish international striker or midfielder, who was on loan with Town for the second time this season, having previously been at Portman Road in 2010 when a Sunderland player.

Murphy, who had trials with the Blues in 2004/05 before opting to join the Premier League Black Cats from hometown club Waterford at the end of that season, made 32 starts and two sub appearances during 2011/12, scoring four goals.

Sources close to Murphy have told TWTD that the 29-year-old and his wife are keen to stay in Suffolk with their children settled at a local school.

Murphy, who has another year left on his Celtic deal, is likely to have to take a significant pay cut to return to Portman Road.

Photo: Action Images

Photo: Action Images

essexboy added 13:03 - May 22 get him quick before somebody else does.proved his worth last season.should play up front and not wide with his height.
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itfc1981 added 13:07 - May 22 Does not play well enough, its as simple as that.
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jas0999 added 13:15 - May 22 Did well for us on loan, so would be good to keep him - but not on big wages!
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Michael11 added 13:22 - May 22 Hmm i'm not too sure this would be worthwhile to be honest, plenty of better younger players about who would be on less money than he is.
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brian_a_mul added 13:41 - May 22 He would be an excellent squad player (versatile) and wouldnt need the time to settle in which is a huge boost. TBH he has proven his worth to the team and seems to be popular among the players. If is willing to take a pay cut it would show his commitment. To do well in this league we need everyone 100% commited, not players wanting to ride the gravy train!
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Lightningboy added 14:07 - May 22 Think we could've done better than Murphy..a striker who only scores 4 goals at championship level isn't much use really.
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brendanh added 14:16 - May 22 Generally had a good season, although should have bagged many more goals with the chances he had (eg Watford away), and looked a bit disinterested in the last few games as the season petered-out. Would be glad to keep him, especially if he can be more decisive in front of goal and not become too comfortable as a permanent signing.
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StanwayBlue added 14:21 - May 22 EssexBlue42 - do you not remember Mariner missing an absolute sitter against Arsenal? Easiest header imaginable. They all do it!
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fifeblue added 14:27 - May 22 He is not good enough for Ipswich.
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Guthrum added 14:37 - May 22 Be pleased to see him back - he is already part of the team, knows the set-up, knows the players. Won't take time settling in. Means we won't have to break up an area of the team which was working reasonably well during the season just gone. The attacking set-up we have been using - hopefully now including a fully-fit Chopra and a re-signed Scotland - will be quite a formidable prospect next season. After all, they scored 32 goals in the last 20 games of the season just gone - the joint-fifth-best scoring rate in the Championship over that period.

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tractorboyz82 added 14:41 - May 22 I love how everyone slates him if u watch him every week you would see how hard he works some times he could hardly walk off the pitch good player to get in on the right wages.
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Essex_Tractor added 15:53 - May 22 Doesn't set the world alight but does put a shift in and already knows the place so won't need to 'gel' with the rest of the team. Despite the obvious Gk/CB/RB/ST positions a settled side from last year could help us start steady for a change.
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rogie_dog added 15:55 - May 22 Would be an excellent permanent addition to the squad in my view. I think he's a little underrated by some.
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Keaneish added 15:57 - May 22 Anyone else sensing a really uninspiring summer in the transfer market?
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irishtim added 16:23 - May 22 Where is our goalie?? If ward signs we should also get keogh from coventry, Danny Shittu on a free from Qpr depending on wages or St. ledger. Maybe Shane supple could be sounded out. Didnt get the Guards(policeforce in ireland) so is worth contacting. Would be a free signing.
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Dissboyitfc added 17:48 - May 22 Rogie..dog agree, he is in my book a bit a bit of an unsung hero, worked very well with cresswell on the left, and cressy was our player of the season, coincidence? i think not, Murphy works very hard off the ball..if its the right deal for us, then sign him....Coyb
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billlm added 17:55 - May 22 liked the guy second half of the season worked extremley hard and is versatile u can push him up top,300k cant see where the problem is last yr we spent a damn site more on loans and most were not worth it just go and get him
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chopschipsallin added 18:23 - May 22 He aint good enough for the SPL he aint good enough for our wonderful club
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bedsitfc added 18:35 - May 22 as we have been linked to lots of wide men maybe pj see's him as a target man we need
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harlingblue added 19:46 - May 22 Don't just close in on him...get him!, he wants to be here and in my opinion showed it last year!
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mancblue78 added 20:20 - May 22 Interesting how opinions seem to be really split on him. Personally don't rate him but clearly others do. Would much prefer younger, more hungry additions. He didn't exactly set the world alight whilst on loan and even with big cut in wages is still likely to be expensive and with no sell on potential later cos of his age. Nope, move on, keep looking.
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Ipswichbusiness added 20:31 - May 22 I think he is a decent player and hard working. No, he won't set the world ablaze, but he is quality at this level. It all depends on the price, both fee (if any) and wages.
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runningout added 09:01 - May 23 not seen him have a decent game for a while.. he was absent last game at Donny... if he joins hope he pulls his finger out, dont need anymore soft touches...
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jlcollins added 15:41 - May 23 I'd much rather spend the money elsewhere, he isn't good enough for a promotion push. We need better!!!!!!
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