Town are trying to secure the loan signing of Crystal Palace striker Stern John before today’s 5pm deadline, according to reports in south London. The 33-year-old previously played for Roy Keane at Sunderland.
The Trinidad and Tobago international has played for the Eagles only once since returning from an elbow injury and is yet to score this season.
Having played for Malta Carib Alcons in his home country, John moved on to the Carolina Dynamo, the New Orleans Riverboat Gamblers and Columbus Crew in the US before relocating to England with Nottingham Forest in 1999.
Since then the 5ft 11in tall frontman has played for a long list of clubs, largely at Championship level: Birmingham City, Coventry, Derby (loan), Sunderland, Southampton and Bristol City (loan), before joining Palace in the summer on a free transfer. He has made 109 appearances for his country, scoring 69 goals.
In eight months at Sunderland under Keane between January and August 2007, John scored five goals in 10 starts and six sub appearances, helping the Black Cats to win the Championship. Overall in English football, John has scored 97 goals in 250 starts and 105 sub substitute appearances.
On Tuesday Keane revealed he was looking at bringing in two loan players by 5pm today, one of which was a striker from a club outside the Premier League.
Ipswich Town keen on Crystal Palace striker.
By Richard Cawley (South London Press).
Ipswich are chasing a deal for Crystal Palace striker Stern John before the closure of the emergency loan deadline at 5pm today.
The South London Press understands that Tractor Boys boss Roy Keane wants the experienced 33-year-old to aide his team's battle to climb out of the Championship relegation zone.
John has started just one match since returning in October from elbow surgery - so a temporary move to Portman Road could help him boost his match sharpness.