Town manager Joe Royle has revealed that former Blues' boss George Burley tried to sign Laurent Charvet from Newcastle just before Royle took the Frenchman to Manchester City. Charvet arrives at Portman Road today for a week's trial.
The 29-year-old is without a club at present after his contract at Manchester City was ended by mutual consent. Royle says the Blues have a number of options: "He fell out with Kevin Keegan at City and was paid up by them. Laurent went back to France, but has not played that much football lately due to injury. He feels OK now and we'll be having a look at him in training before deciding what to do.
"There are several options open to us regarding what sort of a deal he will could be on with us if we take him."
Charvet almost moved to Town in 2000, just before Royle took him to Manchester City for £1 million: "I know for a fact that George was in for him before I signed him at City. The thought of a move to Ipswich was something that appealed to him at the time even though he eventually came to Maine Road."
Royle has also hailed Charvet's versatility, the former Cannes, Chelsea, Newcastle and Manchester City player is able to play at centre back, wing-back and even in midfield.