Town are closing in on the permanent signing of loanee frontman Daryl Murphy, according to reports in Scotland. Despite Blues boss Paul Jewell playing down the chances of the Celtic frontman returning to Portman Road on a permanent basis next season, chief executive Simon Clegg hinted that a deal could still be done when speaking to TWTD a fortnight ago.

The Bhoys are believed to want a fee of £300,000 for the Irish international striker or midfielder, who was on loan with Town for the second time this season, having previously been at Portman Road in 2010 when a Sunderland player.

Murphy, who had trials with the Blues in 2004/05 before opting to join the Premier League Black Cats from hometown club Waterford at the end of that season, made 32 starts and two sub appearances during 2011/12, scoring four goals.

Sources close to Murphy have told TWTD that the 29-year-old and his wife are keen to stay in Suffolk with their children settled at a local school.

Murphy, who has another year left on his Celtic deal, is likely to have to take a significant pay cut to return to Portman Road.

Photo: Action Images

Story syndicated from TWTD.co.uk

Photo: Action Images

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