Blues boss Mick McCarthy says he’d like to sign loan midfielder Jay Tabb on a permanent basis in the summer. The 29-year-old, who netted Town’s goal during Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Sheffield Wednesday, is out of contract at soon-to-be-relegated Reading and says he’d be keen to stay on at Portman Road.
McCarthy told Radio Suffolk that he’s already spoken to the former Brentford and Coventry man about joining the Blues permanently in the summer: "I’m delighted [with him], he’s been a really good acquisition for us and I know he’s on a free, and I’d like to sign him. I’ve told him that. He’s really added something to us.”
Tabb himself doesn’t expect to be offered new terms by the Royals, despite the change of management since he joined the Blues on loan: "I don’t think they probably want me there, so I’ll assess the situation in the summer.
"This is a great club and I’d like to think I could probably end up here, but as a player you’ve always got to look at what’s on the table. But this would be a great option and if I’m an Ipswich player I’d be very happy.”
He says he’s enjoyed his spell: "I’ve had a great time here, the club are first class in the way they look after you, they put me in the hotel down on the harbour, which is really nice.
"It’s a nice training ground, really nice stadium, the fans are good, the manager, the players, everything’s good, so if I’m offered a contract then I don’t see why I wouldn’t stay here, it would have to take something special for me not to.”