Town have confirmed that Wolves defender Richard Stearman is joining on loan for the rest of the season, subject to paperwork. The Blues had been linked with the 25-year-old, who was taken to Molineux by Blues boss Mick McCarthy, since before Christmas but with a £1.8 million price tag understood to have scuppered a permanent deal.

The formalities relating to the move are likely to be completed tomorrow with Stearman expected at Portman Road.

Boss McCarthy has been keen to add to his defensive options with Stearman able to play at both centre-half and the right-back role recently vacated by Bradley Orr when he returned to Blackburn.

The former England U21 international hadn’t made an appearance for Wolves since Dean Saunders took over as boss at Molineux. Prior to that, he had made 11 starts and four sub appearances this season.

Stearman, who has 18 months remaining on his contract, was previously linked with the Blues back in the summer of 2011, although then-manager Paul Jewell dismissed the reports.

The signing takes Town's domestic loan total to four - Stearman plus Patrick Kisnorbo, Aaron Mclean and David McGoldrick - with McCarthy not having ruled out West Ham keeper Stephen Henderson rejoining and becoming the fifth permitted in a matchday squad.

Meanwhile, another of the Wolves players linked with the Blues, striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake is reported to be the subject of a successful £1 million bid from Crystal Palace.

The Eagles were understood to be the frontrunners for the signature of former Blues loanee DJ Campbell. Whether their move for Ebanks-Blake ends their chase for the QPR frontman remains to be seen.

Hull City, who said they could recall striker Aaron Mclean from his loan at Portman Road at the weekend, are also interested in Campbell.

Photo: Action Images

BlueVelvet added 12:46 - Jan 29 so ME's strategy is spend no real money this season but just enough to keep is in the CL, ie the 4th from bottom slot which MM was employed to do
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simonsays added 13:08 - Jan 29 This is a very good signing IMHO.
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simonsays added 13:12 - Jan 29 I cannot believe some of the ridiculous comments on here about this signing. Call yourselves Ipswich fans. Really? The one where it says 'ME and town have run out of money, call in the administrators is nothing short of ridiculous. COYB!
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jas0999 added 13:41 - Jan 29 I am not at all fond of these loan deals and would question the long-term strategy of the club moving forward BUT nonetheless this is a great signing fir ITFC. Very pleased.
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johnwarksshorts added 13:44 - Jan 29 Excellent signing, very versatile.
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masetheace added 13:58 - Jan 29 Too many negative comments again . Whats happened to the positivity when Mick joined ? Read his comments and keep the faith
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