Boss Paul Jewell has revealed that the Blues are talking to Hull City regarding the possibility of loan midfielder Jimmy Bullard returning to Portman Road next season. The 32-year-old, who has been in Suffolk since January, has another two years remaining on his £45,000-a-week contract at the KC Stadium.
Jewell said: "We are speaking to Hull to see what the situation is. It's a difficult deal financially obviously but if we possibly can make it work, we are interested in trying to do so."
Bullard has repeatedly said that he has enjoyed his time on loan with the Blues and would be interested in remaining at Portman Road beyond the end of the season with money far from his only consideration.
Hull are keen to see the one-time England call-up move on with his salary currently 21% of their wage bill.
The Tigers would probably look to try to come to a mutual agreement with Bullard regarding the remaining two years of his contract with the fee payable by the Blues — or any other interested party — going towards this pay-off.
Town are unlikely to pay the former Fulham, Wigan, Peterborough and West Ham man more than around 40% of his current terms, something which Bullard is likely to be well aware of.
Alternatively, a further loan could be negotiated, the Blues having paid a proportion of Bullard’s wages during his time at Portman Road this season, although it’s likely that both clubs and the player would prefer to come to a more permanent arrangement.
Bullard has made a huge impact since joining the Blues on a half-season loan, scoring four goals in 11 starts and creating more with his dangerous set pieces.