Everton have confirmed the expected release of former Blues loanee Luke Garbutt.
The 27-year-old joined Everton’s youth set-up from Leeds in 2009 but made only eight starts - three in the Premier League - and four sub appearances - two in the top flight - for the Toffeemen, the most recent in May 2015.
The 5ft 10in tall Harrogate-born left-back has spent most of the last few seasons on loan, at Cheltenham, Colchester, Fulham, Wigan and Oxford United before his temporary move to the Blues last summer.
Speaking a fortnight ago, Garbutt wasn’t ruling out a return to Town, although he has said he ambitions to play in the Championship.
"Hopefully I can get to a point where I’ve got a decision to make on a number of clubs,” he said.
"That’s not to say that I don’t rule out a permanent move to Ipswich if they were to offer me something through the summer because I really enjoyed my time here. I would never rule that situation out.”
Garbutt made 29 starts and one sub appearance for the Blues during 2019/20, scoring six goals.