Town defender Gary Croft has asked if he can leave Portman Road on a free transfer. The former Blackburn man failed to feature in the Town side last season, but spent time on loan at both Wigan and Cardiff.

Croft says he has spoken to George Burley about leaving and hopes to do so without money changing hands: "I've had a chat with manager George Burley. I've got a year to go on my contract, but he is prepared to let me go.

"Hopefully I can go with no fee. I think he may be agreeable to allow that."

Burley says he will wait and see what offers come in for Croft before deciding to ask for a fee.

The 28-year-old feels that he needs to go in order for his career to progress.

Both Wigan and Cardiff were thought to be interested in signing the ex-Grimsby player permanently after his loan spells, but cooled in their interest.

Wigan felt that the £400,000 Town were after for him was too high, while Cardiff decided they weren't interested once they had failed to gain First Division status through the play-offs.

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