Ipswich Town boss Mick McCarthy is poised to add to his attacking options by signing Leicester City winger Anthony Knockaert, on loan, later this week.

The Blues made an approach to the Premier League Foxes for the Frenchman last week, the 23-year-old having featured just 10 times in league and cup for the Midlands side this term.

The former Guingamp star played an integral part in Leicester’s title-winning campaign in the Championship last season, but has fallen out of favour at the King Power Stadium.

City boss Nigel Pearson has been reluctant to let his fringe players leave on-loan, but may have had a change of heart, especially with the player being out of contract in the summer.

Town struggled to break down a stubborn Reading team at the weekend, the mid-table Royals leaving Suffolk with a 1-0 win, and face a much-improved Birmingham side tonight who, under new boss Gary Rowett, have climbed from second-bottom to lower mid-table thanks to a new-found defensive resolve.

Knockaert, 23, who has scored 16 goals in 105 games for the Foxes, can play on either flank and would provide more natural width, with Jay Tabb and Teddy Bishop, who filled the wide midfield roles at the weekend, better suited to central berths.

McCarthy played down the link yesterday, but said: “I have spoken to lots of clubs about lots of players.

“He’s a quality player and if I can get someone of his quality in then why wouldn’t I?

McCarthy, whose side are fourth-top, three points off the automatic positions, is missing David McGoldrick, Luke Hyam, Stephen Hunt, Noel Hunt and Darren Ambrose for tonight’s game.