RICHARD Wright has agreed to sign for Ipswich Town for a third time.

The 34-year-old has penned a deal with his hometown team for the third time after agreeing a contract until the end of the season.

But we understand it is NOT because Fulham are set to activate their 24-hour recall on the Blues’ current number one David Stockdale.

Ironically, Wright had said this week that he hoped to secure a new club imminently, but he was not referring to Ipswich Town at that time.

Town boss Paul Jewell explained: “Richard has been training with us this season and has done well. I know there were two or three clubs interested in taking him on this week so we’ve been speaking to him over the last day or so and I’m delighted that we’ve been able to agree a deal.”

Wright, who won the play-offs with the Blues before re-signing in 2008 following top-flight stints at Arsenal, Everton and West Ham, admitted earlier this week: “I love Ipswich Town Football Club, I don’t hide that. I think everyone knows that, but at the moment there’s nothing there for me – simple as that, you just get on with it and look elsewhere.

“If anything changed and something came up (at Ipswich) then I’d be a liar to say I wouldn’t consider it because I would.”

Wright was released by Sheffield United last season before training with Cardiff City in the summer.

Jewell allowed him to train with Ipswich for the last few months and it was somewhat surprising that he was not snapped up quicker by Town as competition for Stockdale and reserve keeper Arran Lee-Barrett.

Wright, who was capped twice by England, has played 361 times for Ipswich and will now be re-acquainted with goalkeeping coach Malcolm Webster.

The goalkeeper becomes Jewell’s 14th signing since the end of last season.