Reading keeper Alex McCarthy will join the Blues on a three-month loan in time to make his debut at Birmingham on Wednesday, TWTD understands. Contrary to earlier reports, the deal is not yet done but it appears that only formalities are left to be completed.
McCarthy confirmed his move on Twitter, also commenting on the quality of the accommodation Town had put him in: "Hotel is decent, better than what I thought, time for sleep now. Night tweeps!
"[...]finished loan at Leeds last week. At Ipswich now!"
Manager Paul Jewell has previously said that the Blues are keen on signing an additional glovesman to compete with Arran Lee-Barrett and Richard Wright, former loanee David Stockdale having been recalled by Fulham last month.
Guildford-born 6ft 4in-tall England U21 cap McCarthy came through the Royals’ youth system and has had prior loan spells at Woking, Cambridge United, Team Bath, Aldershot Town, Yeovil Town and Brentford in addition to a six-game spell at Leeds in November and December last year.
Meanwhile, Neil Warnock’s sacking by QPR has already led to speculation that the former Sheffield United boss may be the man to succeed Paul Jewell at Town if and when owner Marcus Evans decides on making a change.
Warnock, who was linked with the Blues after Jim Magilton’s exit, knows Evans and had praise for the club when speaking after Town’s defeat at Loftus Road in February: "The club’s very stable, there are good people behind [Paul], Marcus is a good person to work for.
"And the fans down there, bloody hell, they’re second to none, aren’t they? It’s a great opportunity for everybody down there.”