Mick McCarthy’s close links to Millwall could see former Lions’ right-back Alan Dunne make a free transfer switch to Ipswich Town this summer.

Bromley-based McCarthy managed the Lions between 1992 and 1996 but was also a regular visitor to the south London club’s training ground during his tenure as Republic of Ireland boss, where he watched Dublin-born Dunne plus his former international players Steven Reid and Richard Sadlier in action.

Dunne, 32, who skippered the Lions last season, was one of 18 players released by new boss Neil Harris last month, following his side’s demotion to League One, and he is now believed to be on Ipswich’s radar.

The Blues’ boss is in the market for a right-back having released Elliott Hewitt at the end of last season and having deployed Jonathan Parr more as a midfielder during the campaign.

Club captain Luke Chambers was a mainstay in that position last season but has made no secret of his preference to play at centre-back.

Dublin-born Dunne, who can also play centre-back and in midfield, racked up a record 10 red cards during his time at The Den and spent 22 years with the New Cross-based outfit

Meanwhile, Derby County have signed former Ipswich Town striker Darren Bent on a two-year contract, following his release from Premier League Aston Villa.

Bent spent time on loan with the Rams last season, scoring 10 goals in 15 games under former boss Steve McLaren.