HAS David Norris been sounded out for a shock return to Ipswich Town?

That is the question which has been raised after chief executive Simon Clegg cryptically revealed that he has spoken to the midfielder within ‘the last couple of weeks’.

Blues boss Paul Jewell wanted to keep Norris – nicknamed Chuck – last summer, but saw him leave for Portsmouth on a Bosman free transfer.

Town had offered him an extra two years, but were outdone by Pompey’s three-year deal.

The south coast have struggled to pay their players this season though, eventually went into administration and were relegated to League One after a 10-point deduction.

And while manager Michael Appleton continues to oversee a firesale of players, Town find themselves needing another central midfielder after Grant Leadbitter opted not sign a new contract.

“Yes, we lost Gareth (McAuley) and yes, we lost David Norris last summer,” said Clegg, when asked about the club losing around �3m of talent for nothing in little over a year due to players’ contracts coming to an end.

“Chuck (Norris) was offered a new contract. I’ve stayed in regular contact with him since he went to Portsmouth, in fact I’ve been in contact with him as recently as the last couple of weeks.

“He wanted a three-year contract, we were only prepared to offer him a two-year contract. Look at the position he is in now though. The grass isn’t always greener.”

It may just have been an innocent case of an employer staying in touch with a former employee.

However, with Town’s top Portsmouth targets rapidly being snapped up – it looks as though Joel Ward could follow Jason Pearce in signing for Leeds – they could yet look at Norris as a viable option.

The 31-year-old made 42 appearances last season and scored eight goals, including a breathtaking equaliser against rivals Southampton.

Leicester City and Sheffield Wednesday have both been linked.

– What do you think? Would you welcome Norris back to Portman Road or see it as a backwards step? Post your comments below.