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Former Canary Lafferty Linked - Ipswich Town News

Town are reported to be keen to sign Northern Ireland international striker Kyle Lafferty, who is a free agent following his release by Norwich City.

According to various national newspapers here and in Ireland, Blues boss Mick McCarthy wants to bring the 29-year-old to Portman Road to partner Joe Garner, whose £1 million move from Rangers was confirmed on Friday.

Lafferty left Carrow Road at the end of the season after three years in which he made only 14 starts and 25 sub appearances, scoring four goals. While with the Canaries he spent time on loan with Turkish side Caykur Rizespor and Birmingham City.

The Enniskillen-born frontman began his career with Burnley - during which time he was loaned to Darlington - before moving on to Rangers for £3 million in June 2008. While at Ibrox he netted 38 goals in 86 starts and 51 games from the bench.

Capped 62 times for Northern Ireland, scoring 20 goals, 6ft 4in tall Lafferty moved on to Swiss side Sion on a free transfer in June 2012, then Palermo a year later before joining Norwich the following summer.

Edinburgh sides Hearts and Hibs are also reported to be interested in signing Lafferty this summer, along with Azerbaijan champions Qarabag.

Town, who would almost certainly be in a position to make a bigger contract offer than those three clubs, have been mentioned in connection with Lafferty on a number of occasions over the years going back to Jim Magilton’s time in charge at Portman Road.

During his time with Burnley he scored a memorable goal at Portman Road in a 1-1 draw in December 2006.

While Lafferty’s Norwich City past would be controversial among fans, manager McCarthy is a long-time admirer having tried to sign him when Wolves boss but lost out to Rangers.

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