IPSWICH Town manager Paul Jewell says he is ‘very, very interested’ in signing Jimmy Bullard after Hull City gave notice to terminate his contract.

The Blues boss originally conceded that the 32-year-old midfielder – who did so well at Portman Road on loan last season – was out of the club’s price range.

With him now set to be a free agent though, Jewell says he has been in touch to try and persuade the charismatic player to return to Suffolk.

“I spoke to Jimmy yesterday,” said Jewell. “I’ve spoken to him right the way through the summer.

“I think he was close to joining QPR earlier in the summer and he’s told me that a couple of Premier League clubs were speaking to his representative.

“I’ve told him to keep us informed because we want to be at the front of the queue if possible.

“There will be other teams in for him though and I’m sure he’d prefer to go to a Premier League club – as any player would.

“He really enjoyed himself here last season, the players like him, the fans love him, so if we can afford him it’s something we would be very, very interested in doing.”

Meanwhile, Jewell spoke of his frustration following continued failed attempts to sign another centre-back.

The Blues boss confirmed that he’d enquired about two Premier League players on Wednesday – including West Brom’s Spanish international Pablo Ibanez – but that he’d been told by managers to wait until the transfer window closes on Augsut 31 before any loan deals could be discussed.