Veteran keeper Shaka Hislop has confirmed that Town have contacted him regarding a possible move to Portman Road. The former Reading, Newcastle and West Ham stopper has been released by Portsmouth and is available on a free transfer.

Hislop says: "Ipswich have shown interest but they are not the only ones to do so.

"They were highly recommended by my friend David Unsworth and they have made a very interesting offer. There are still other interested clubs so I will have to decide soon.

"I will probably have to do it over the phone because of my international commitments."

Hislop, who has also been linked with Coventry City, will spend July playing in the CONCACAF Gold Cup with Trinidad and Tobago.

After Kelvin Davis's departure for Sunderland, boss Joe Royle made it clear he would bring in an experienced keeper to compete with youngsters Lewis Price and Shane Supple, partly due to the new transfer window restrictions.

However, with the Football League set to introduce new loan rules designed to prevent the difficulties presented by the windows, the Town manager subsequently suggested he was no longer looking for a third stopper and would instead rely on a loanee if Price or Supple picked up an injury.

If Hislop, 36, wants to sign for the Blues he would have to relocate from the South Coast, a move which he may not be willing to make for a short-term contract.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls