Town are being linked with a move for former loanee Alan Mahon, currently with Burnley. The 30-year-old made eight starts and one sub appearance, scoring one goal, during three months with the Blues late in 2003 while a Blackburn player.

Mahon's time at Portman Road was hailed as a success despite spells on the sidelines with injury, but he eventually moved on to Wigan for £750,000, a fee well beyond the then cash-strapped Blues.

The Irishman was again linked with Town while with the Latics, but in March 2006 he joined Burnley on loan, the deal becoming a permanent £100,000 switch the following summer.

After a promising start to his time at Turf Moor, the midfielder has drifted out of the first team picture and this season has made only three brief sub appearances, one in the Championship and two in the Carling Cup. He is contracted until next summer.

Town have been looking for a left-sided midfielder for some time with a deal for Southampton's Rudi Skácel breaking down in the summer and former Barcelona man Nano recently on trial at Playford Road.

Mahon, who played alongside Town boss Jim Magilton during his time at Portman Road, is primarily left-sided but also plays on the right and in the centre of midfield.

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