A RESTRICTIVE budget has priced Ipswich Town out of a move for keeper Lee Camp.

The Blues tried to sign the 28-year-old from Nottingham Forest back in January, but were pipped to the signing by East Anglian rivals Norwich City.

Having made just one start for the Canaries, the Northern Ireland international is now a free agent after being released by the Norfolk club at the end of his short-term deal.

The EADT and Ipswich Star understands that Blues boss Mick McCarthy was keen on bringing in the former Championship keeper of the year to provide some competition to No.1 Scott Loach.

However, with owner Marcus Evans keeping a tight budget ahead of new Financial Fair Play rules, the wage demands of the ex-Derby and QPR custodian will prevent a deal.

Town have so made just one summer signing, agreeing the Bosman free transfer addition of midfielder Cole Skuse from Bristol City. An agreement is also in place for Nottingham Forest striker David McGoldrick to turn his loan spell into a two-year deal.

McCarthy is keen to sign recent loanees Jay Tabb and Richard Stearman, but a tight budget could hold back both deals. Tabb – a free agent following his release by Reading – is locked in negotiations, with Birmingham and Middlesbrough understood to be waiting in the wings, while Stearman – still under contract at Wolves – may prove too costly.

The Blues have been linked with a host of players who McCarthy had at former club Wolves, with Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Stephen Hunt both free agents following the Midlands club’s relegation to League One.