PAUL Jewell confirmed at this lunchtime’s Portman Road press conference that he hoped a “deal could be done” to sign Jimmy Bullard on a permanent basis this summer.

Hull City loanee Bullard scored both goals in a 2-0 win at promotion-chasing Cardiff City on Saturday.

The 32-year-old still has two years left on his contract at the KC Stadium, and is on big wages, but a permanent move to Portman Road is not just a fantasy.

“When Jimmy first came here, it was obviously going to be only a short-term loan,” explained Jewell.

“It was to give him a few games to see if he liked it here, though I knew what he could do.

“I think he’s brought a fresh air to the place, the players like him and sometimes I like him!

“It’s one of these things where if it could be done, we’d certainly like to, but whether we can with the financial restraints being so high is another matter.

“But there is a possibility and I know the owner (Marcus Evans) is an ambitious as I am. But it’s only a possibility,” added Jewell.