Rotherham boss Paul Warne says it’s unlikely but not impossible that his side could make a loan move for Blues right-back Josh Emmanuel ahead of Monday’s 5pm transfer deadline.
Emmanuel, 22, spent 2017/18 on loan with the Millers, carrying off their Young Player of the Year award as they won promotion from League One to the Championship via the play-offs.
Warne, whose side are 13th in League One, says he spoke to the Blues about Emmanuel, who is currently behind Kane Vincent-Young and Janoi Donacien for the right-back role at Town, in the close season.
"We made contact with Ipswich over the summer about Josh but he was never available," Warne told the Rotherham Advertiser following yesterday’s 1-1 home draw with Tranmere. "They wanted to keep him in.
"I'm not saying it's not possible. Obviously, I've had a relationship with Josh in the past. I know him really well. I think he's, like, fourth choice at Ipswich now. I'll be having a chat with [head of talent ID] Rob [Scott] tonight and we'll see what we think.”
He added: Josh might become available but, as I sit here now, I don't think it will happen.
"We've got [left-back] Trevor [Clarke] out so out of four full-backs we've got two out. Ideally, I wouldn't want to carry five full-backs. But it's a long season. If I was to bring in a right-back, Josh would be high on my list.”
Emmanuel, who spent last season on loan at Shrewsbury and is out of contract with the Blues next summer, has made one appearance for Town this season, in the Carabao Cup tie at Luton.
Aside from fringe players such as Emmanuel and Jordan Roberts going out on loan it's expected to be a quiet final day of the window at Portman Road.