Striker Luke Varney is joining Burton Albion with his short-term Town contract not being renewed. The veteran frontman has signed an 18-month deal with the Brewers, having trained with them for the last couple of days.
Varney, 34, rejoined the Blues for a third spell in August as cover for the injured David McGoldrick and has made four starts and 11 sub appearances this season, scoring three goals. His contract was due to end on January 12th.
Overall, having initially joined Town on loan from Blackburn Rovers for the final three months of 2014/15, the much-travelled frontman made 14 starts and 32 sub appearances for the Blues, scoring five times.
Burton boss Nigel Clough told their official site: "He’s a good, experienced Championship player who we hope will help us out in the second half of the season.
"He plays a few different positions, wide midfield or up front and we know Luke from our time at Derby.
"He’s featured for Ipswich this season and got a couple of goals as well but wanted to come back to the area and he will be a good addition to our squad.
"He gives us something different to what we have got and is a good signing for us at this stage. He only signed a six-month deal at Ipswich which is why he is available in January.”
Varney, known as Reg during his time with the Blues, says he'll look back fondly on his time at Town.
"I have finished on a good note at all my clubs but Ipswich will always stay close to my heart," he told the club site.
"They looked after me after a serious injury, the fans have been great with me and there's a great group of lads there as well. It was difficult to leave but a new challenge will keep me hungry going forward.
"Once I made it aware that I wasn’t going to be staying at Ipswich it was a bit of a risk me playing in the cup for them this weekend, with my contract ending a couple of days later, so I’m thankful to the club and the manager, Mick McCarthy, in letting me come out of it a bit early so I could get this move sorted.
"It's a deal that allows me to move back home closer to my family, although I do so with a heavy heart.
"I have nothing but good things to say about the club and all the people at Ipswich. I loved my time there and I wish them all the best for the future."