TWTD understands that Town and Celtic will hold further talks regarding Daryl Murphy’s future next week. The 29-year-old looks set to rejoin the Blues on a permanent basis this summer having spent 2011/12 on loan at Portman Road for the second time.
Town boss Paul Jewell initially played down the chances of the Celtic frontman returning to the Blues but when speaking to TWTD a month ago chief executive Simon Clegg hinted that a deal could still be done.
The Bhoys are believed to want £300,000 for the striker or midfielder, who was previously on loan at Portman Road in 2010 when a Sunderland player, but ultimately could allow him to leave on a free transfer to get the remaining year of his contract off their wage bill. Murphy is likely to have to take a significant pay cut to return to Portman Road.
Murphy, who also had trials with the Blues in the 2004/05 season before opting to join the Black Cats from hometown club Waterford United, who we understand he joined for a couple of training sessions last week, made 32 starts and two sub appearances for Town during 2011/12, scoring four goals.
Sources close to Murphy have told TWTD that the nine-times-capped Irish international and his family are keen to stay in Suffolk.
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