TWTD understands that three-times-loanee Daryl Murphy is close to agreeing a two-year permanent deal with the Blues following his release by Celtic.

The 30-year-old spent the whole of 2012/13 on loan at Portman Road, scoring seven goals in 33 starts and seven sub appearances.

Prior to the end of the season manager Mick McCarthy indicated that he’d like Murphy to remain with Town, while the player said he was keen to stay on in Suffolk.

We understand a deal could be agreed as soon as this week with Murphy subsequently formally putting pen to paper on July 1st once his three-year Celtic contract is up.

Capped nine times by Ireland without scoring, striker or left midfielder Murphy made 32 starts and two sub appearances for Town during his another season-long loan during 2011/12, netting four goals.

He was previously with the Blues during the second half of the 2009/10 season when he scored six goals in 18 appearances before moving from Sunderland to Celtic that summer.

While with hometown club Waterford United, Murphy spent several spells on trial at Portman Road during the 2004/05 campaign but eventually opted to join the Premier League Black Cats, then managed by current Town boss Mick McCarthy.

Meanwhile, we understand Blues scouts were regular visitors to Yeovil Town's games towards the end of the season with 23-year-old striker Paddy Madden the reason for the trips.

However, with the Glovers having been promoted to the Championship via the play-offs and the former Bohemians, Shelbourne (loan) and Carlisle man having signed a two-and-a-half-year deal in January, a summer move for the Irish U21 and U23 international seems unlikely.

Photo: Action Images

Brockleyblue added 11:03 - Jun 2 What's the most number of appearances by a loan player at Ipswich (or anywhere else?) 90 by Murph must be close. 2 year deal seems sensible for someone who has had occassional grief from the crowd but provides a useful big man option and linked up really well with Campbell and, at times, McGoldrick.
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TractorCam added 11:12 - Jun 2 I would welcome this, a player that is happy putting on the town shirt. He may not be the most prolific but we've seen on numerous occasions when he gets the service he can always stick it in the back of the net.
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SouperJim added 11:52 - Jun 2 Does Alan Brazil have anything to say about his wages?
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Garv added 12:02 - Jun 2 Very happy about this!
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Kikapu added 12:32 - Jun 2 The stress is almost as bad out of season as it is in season! He's a canny lad, is MM. I'm sure he'll get a good squad together in time to get us in the top six next year.
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TimmyH added 17:44 - Jun 2 Reasonably satisfied by this - a 2 year deal is about right, up most important we get some flare in the starting lineup now though. Have to go that 'extra' mile now to get Stearman in the defense too.
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walberswick added 02:02 - Jun 3 There is a reason a 30 year work horse is free and available. And it won't get us promoted. It's beginning to look like we're aiming for the bottom third of the championship again.
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BuckieBlue added 09:32 - Jun 3 If Taylor's return will be like a new sigining, Murphy's signing is like an old signing the time he's already been at PR! Welcome on board.
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bohslegend added 10:26 - Jun 3 I like the fact MM is keeping a number of the players who contributed to our successful climb away from danger, we need continuity to build on the good work so far. Surprised nobody has mentioned the Paddy Madden link. I know it's a long shot with a new contract signed up with Yeovil, but I know this player from his time at Bohs in Dublin, he really has the potential to go a long way in the game and his time at Yeovil has shown a glimpse of that. If we had money to spend and a bit of guts in the transfer market, this would be a very good move. In Mick we Trust. COYB!

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dford7 added 13:21 - Jun 3 Good, glad to hear this. I know he has his off days, but he works very hard is good at keeping the ball when surrounded by defenders, whether on the wing or up front. he just needs a couple of shots to go in to build his confidence and he could be a goal scorer as well as good support player.
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theobald1985 added 13:23 - Jun 3 i am pleased if he signs and if mcgoldrick does as well then i think we are fine up top. as regards the 5 grand a week thing i think its fine. what players earn does not always transpire to a vast differance in quality on the3 pitch. some players get big contract based on a period of good form but form is temporary. personally i think player quality in this division is a much of a muchness and team spirit and luck play a far bigger part.

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TR11BLU added 16:28 - Jun 3 Not happy. The facts support the fact he is not the answer if we are ambitious. A total of 92 appearances, scoring 17 goals. Thats one every 5 1/2 games. Never rated him and dont understand the 'at least on this occasion we can be sure that this is one player who will not contract a bout of Bullarditis' comment. How do we know this???? Big mistake in my book, the bloke couldnt hit a barn door.

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thebeat added 09:34 - Jun 4 Too many people looking at his goals record and moaning. Not every striker is a potent goalscorer.Murph is a great link man for tge likes of McGoldrick and Taylor, and Nouble will learn a lot from him when it comes to hold up play etc.He rarely loses a header,adds to our height at set pieces and is a great option from the bench. He also tells everybody at club functions how he loves the club and the area etc, if we want some stability to create a platform to push on he's the perfect kind of signing

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