A deal is still a long way off, but Titus Bramble has not ruled out a previously unlikely return to Ipswich Town following his appearance on trial at Gillingham last night.

The 31-year-old – who made his name at his hometown club before making a £6m switch to Newcastle in 2002 – was released by Sunderland this summer following 13 years in the top-flight.

After playing in last night’s 2-1 win at League One side Gillingham, he said: “It was last minute thing. I’ve been training with West Ham, but Ipswich is probably more convenient for me to train because it’s on my doorstep and Mick (McCarthy) said I could come in and train.

“I’m not ruling anything out, there are a few options. The main is for me to stay fit ahead of wherever I may end up.

“I’ve always said that one day I will come back and play for Ipswich again. Whether it’s now or in a couple of years time, who knows?

“I went to a couple of Ipswich games last season and I know they’ve got some very good players.

“Ipswich is in my heart. I’m born and bred from the town, so it means everything to me. I’ve always looked out for their results ever since I left and it’s been disappointing to see them struggle at times because I think they should be a Premiership club.

“They seem to be picking up under Mick McCarthy though and I see no reasons why they won’t be pushing next season.”

McCarthy said: “I hadn’t considered him before because he’d been released by Sunderland, I just thought a player like him wouldn’t want to come to Ipswich. He’s here now though and maybe he does fancy it.”

Asked if it was now down to owner Marcus Evans to fund the deal, McCarthy added: “I think you’re pre-empting things there by putting it all on the owner. I can see the headlines now say ‘he’s not going to do it’. That’s a little bit disingenuous.

“He’s come to train, he’s had one game and he might have other options. The fact that he’s here – unless he’s just come to see his parents – shows he’s interested though!”

Town won the game thanks to goals from David McGoldrick and a late David October strike. Cody McDonald scored for the Gills.