Former loan striker Noel Hunt looks set to rejoin the Blues on a permanent basis with his Leeds contract having been terminated by mutual consent.

Hunt, the 32-year-old younger brother of Town winger Stephen, joined the Blues on loan at the end of November, scoring after coming on as a sub in the 1-0 win at Charlton.

The Irishman made a further three appearances from the bench before his spell came to an end prior to Sunday’s FA Cup tie at Southampton.

Speaking about Hunt's future after his final appearance, the 3-0 home victory over Charlton, manager Mick McCarthy said the situation largely depended on Leeds: "It’s up to them what they want to do with him, and up to Hunty, to be fair.

“He’s done all right, he scored the winner at Charlton, he’s had a couple of sub appearances and I like him. It’s up to them, see what they want to do.”

Hunt has said he would like to extend his stay at Portman Road on a number of occasions.

The striker joined the Whites from Reading in the summer of 2013 but failed to find the net in 14 starts and eight sub appearances.

“I feel no bitterness in anyway towards anyone associated at the club," Hunt told the Leeds official site reflecting on his time at Elland Road.

“All the way from the president, to all the coaching and general staff at Thorp Arch and at Elland Road, I’d like to say thank you.

“Everyone made the experience as enjoyable as possible and I’d also like to thank the supporters for everything you have shown me. I leave the club with many happy memories.

“My home is in Leeds and that will continue and I have made many friends during my time at the club.”

He added: “It didn’t quite happen for me here for whatever reason. But I appreciate the support I have received, whether that be on or off the field.

“I love the club and I’ll be taking the positives from my time at Leeds United. “I wish all the boys, Neil Redfearn and the supporters well for the rest of the season and the future.”

Photo: Action Images

NoCanariesAllowed added 14:44 - Jan 7 "McGoldrick.... Still McGoldrick.... Noel HUUUNT!! How about that for an impact! On his debut, in the 95th minute, Noel Hunt wins it for Ipswich!" ... Yeah. I'd have him back. :)
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JimmyJazz added 14:52 - Jan 7 Get on down here Noel
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gazzmac4 added 14:56 - Jan 7 Good outcome for us. Id take him for free if he wants to come back. Like his attitude and think he definitely still has something to offer us from the bench if necessary! Doesn't necessarily solve the backup issue for Dids and Murph but certainly gives us strength in depth!
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Smithy added 14:57 - Jan 7 Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the king of last minute goals!
3

boysinblue added 14:57 - Jan 7 Hunt will always be a town legend in my eyes for his goal against Charlton, and thought he looked very on his sub appearances since - he soo nearly scored in the reverse fixture too. I would love to see him back in a town shirt, he's the back up to M&M we need imo, with Sammon and Bajner the back up to Hunt!
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boysinblue added 14:58 - Jan 7 very sharp*
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DazBent added 14:59 - Jan 7 Worth his wage for that goal
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FabianMalyon added 14:59 - Jan 7 Things are shaping up nicely.. Let's all keep calm, keep quiet and stay positive no matter what.
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Samuelowen88 added 15:12 - Jan 7 How long will it take him to get in a car, drive down here and walk into Mick's Office?
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northernblues added 15:14 - Jan 7 Boysinblue steady away with the legend comments! Put things into perspective lad legend-for the likes of johnny wark etc
1

itfc_nik added 15:22 - Jan 7 He is a legend for the moment at the Valley, who knows how crucial that goal will prove to be!
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Upbeat added 15:32 - Jan 7
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rfretwell added 15:41 - Jan 7 With both Hunt sisters here again team spirit will go thro the roof! Sign him up Mick in time for Derby.
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Lightningboy added 15:45 - Jan 7 Still would like to see us bring in an up and coming young striker ala Chris Wood as back up. Can we please send Sammon back?
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boysinblue added 16:21 - Jan 7 @northernblues, is was a tad tongue in cheek but you get my drift!
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commuterblue added 18:56 - Jan 7 Why sign a young up and coming striker to sit on the bench for 70 minutes Lightning? No benefit for him, better a more mature striker in my book
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