Boss Paul Jewell has revealed that the Blues are talking to Hull City regarding the possibility of loan midfielder Jimmy Bullard returning to Portman Road next season. The 32-year-old, who has been in Suffolk since January, has another two years remaining on his £45,000-a-week contract at the KC Stadium.

Jewell said: "We are speaking to Hull to see what the situation is. It's a difficult deal financially obviously but if we possibly can make it work, we are interested in trying to do so."

Bullard has repeatedly said that he has enjoyed his time on loan with the Blues and would be interested in remaining at Portman Road beyond the end of the season with money far from his only consideration.

Hull are keen to see the one-time England call-up move on with his salary currently 21% of their wage bill.

The Tigers would probably look to try to come to a mutual agreement with Bullard regarding the remaining two years of his contract with the fee payable by the Blues — or any other interested party — going towards this pay-off.

Town are unlikely to pay the former Fulham, Wigan, Peterborough and West Ham man more than around 40% of his current terms, something which Bullard is likely to be well aware of.

Alternatively, a further loan could be negotiated, the Blues having paid a proportion of Bullard’s wages during his time at Portman Road this season, although it’s likely that both clubs and the player would prefer to come to a more permanent arrangement.

Bullard has made a huge impact since joining the Blues on a half-season loan, scoring four goals in 11 starts and creating more with his dangerous set pieces.

Photo: Action Images

Bluetone added 15:56 - Apr 5 Signing JB would show real ambition and encourage others to sign up or sign in.
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dannyhegan added 16:07 - Apr 5 IT IS VERY EARLY.
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arc added 17:01 - Apr 5 I expect he'll end up at a Premier League club. If it's Norwich, I will weep openly.
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Back_The_Boss added 18:22 - Apr 5 Sign him up, sign him up, sign him up!!
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jas0999 added 18:25 - Apr 5 It does seem odd that PJ has announced this - as obviously it allows other clubs to jump in. Can only assume it is another 'Dyer' ploy to sell season tickets? If not PJ would be best advised to keep these things quiet until a deal is complete. Magilton had a knack of announcing interest before the player had signed and often the player would go to another club.
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glassblower added 18:36 - Apr 5 Not a big deal re going public. Our interest was never going to be a big secret. Not as if any details were revealed.
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bluelady added 19:13 - Apr 5 if teams are interested this will be irrespective of us putting in a bid. We stand a better chance than a majority of championship teams after all, he is here, he is loving it, its close to home and its a club that likes to keep its players after they leave, so his chance of having a role outside of actually playing is higher here (and evidently he is great with PR!)... it will be a prem team that scupper our plans if anything and that will happen whether we announce this or not, it isnt rocket science that we are going to be talking to Hull. to be honest if it sells a few more season tickets that isnt a bad think, the more the merrier!

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nickforeveritfc added 22:28 - Apr 5 Totally agree boys jimmy would be a great asset to the team next year and he might even get us in the playoffs and promoted sign him up paul hes a great player!! :)
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denhamblue added 22:45 - Apr 5 Me thinks were doomed now,another club will come in.
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Walk_the_Wark added 23:55 - Apr 5 I've said it before and I'll say it again- bullard is bad news!! Why do you think Hull don't want him... think on idiots!!
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bizman added 07:17 - Apr 6 I LOVE JIMMY BULLARD! But dont believe we can sign him. ITFC seem to muck up any sort of good signing that the manager puts infront of them. Jimmy Bullard is an absolute legend. Different Class.....But we would be very lucky to sign him permanently. If your reading this Jimmy, please sign up!!!
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bluelady added 08:55 - Apr 6 walk the walk what a charming character you are. Thing is in this world we are all alowed an oppinon, just because it is differant from yours doesnt make others idiots, the mear fact you think that means im afraid you should be the one wearing the dunces hat!
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roytheboy added 10:28 - Apr 6 Fingers crossed !
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FriskinPriskin1 added 09:12 - Apr 28 There may be no coincedence between this story and the 'rumour' yesterday. Jimmy and Mackail-Smith were part of a 'strong' Peterborough team (for them at least). Probably good mates off the pitch. Mackail-Smith's position may well help Jimmy make his mind up.
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