Mick McCarthy has targeted former Crystal Palace full-back Jonathan Parr to help fill the void left by star defender Aaron Cresswell.

The Norwegian left-back, 25, was released by Premier League side Crystal Palace in May and will meet with representatives from Town on Monday to try and thrash out a deal.

Parr, who has nine international caps for his country, made 101 appearances in total for the Eagles, during a three-year stay, but an ankle injury, ironically sustained at Portman Road in April last year, hindered his progress at Selhurst Park last term.

Parr is advised by his father, Roger who told Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten that he and his son would be in Ipswich next week and that the Blues met the criteria for Parr’s next move.

Bolton Wanderers, managed by Dougie Freedman – who brought Parr to England – are also thought to be interested in the player who began his career with Lyn Oslo before establishing himself with Aalesund.

Should Parr sign, he could be joined by Notts County goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowski who is moving closer to becoming an Ipswich player.

The 26-year-old, who spent time on loan at Portman Road in 2009, without making an appearance, has a year left on his contract with the League One outfit, but it is understood the Magpies would not stand in his way should a Championship club come calling.

McCarthy has already signed three players, Alex Henshall, Stephen Hunt and Cameron Stewart and his budget is likely to be increased following the sale of Cresswell.

It is unlikely the Blues boss will be given all of the Cresswell fee, reported to be an initial £3.5m, for his transfer kitty, but he will have more room for manoeuvre.

Town kick off the new Championship season at home to Fulham on August 9 and McCarthy is happy with the way he is being allowed to conduct his business at the club, praising owner Marcus Evans.

On having a good relationship with Evans, McCarthy said: “It’s vital for me and I don’t want to be taking calls from anyone trying to tell me what to do and picking the team.

“I guess if I’m doing well then that’s the biggest reason why he is letting me get on with it. Paul (Jewell) told me Marcus was a great guy when I took the job – he let him get on with things.

“He’s terrific to work for and to my knowledge he’s got his leg in for about £80m, which I think is a fair chunk of dough to be honest.”