Town will make a renewed attempt to sign Celtic central defender Stephen McManus, according to reports in Scotland. McManus, who spent the second half of 2009/10 at Middlesbrough, turned down a loan move to Portman Road last summer.
The former Bhoys skipper, 27, is said to be available for £1.5 million to £2 million with Town boss Roy Keane understood to be interested in bringing his one-time Celtic team-mate to Suffolk on a permanent basis.
Boro, managed by ex-Parkhead boss Gordon Strachan, are also believed to be interested in signing the Scotland international full-time.
Lanark-born McManus came through the youth ranks at Celtic, making his senior debut in the 2003/04 season.
Since then he has made 200 starts and three sub appearances for the Bhoys, scoring 20 goals, and captained the side from 2007 until last summer. For Scotland, 6ft 2in tall McManus has won 22 caps, scoring one goal.
McManus made 16 starts for Middlesbrough, including their 1-1 draw at Portman Road in February, and scored one goal.
An experienced central defender is very likely to be on Roy Keane’s list of potential summer recruits with Alex Bruce expected to join former loan side Leicester, Pim Balkestein released and Gareth McAuley reported to be interesting Bolton and Rangers.