IPSWICH Town have stolen a march on Premier League clubs and are leading the race to sign Jimmy Bullard.

We understand that the mercurial midfielder is set to arrive in Suffolk tonight after a satisfactory round of talks between his agent, Simon Dent, and Town owner Marcus Evans.

Although he has not had a medical yet, this is set to happen either later tonight or first thing in the morning as manager Paul Jewell hones in on a number one transfer target, who spent four hugely successful months on loan at Portman Road last season.

Premier League Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, QPR and Norwich City have all been linked with the 32-year-old – as well as Ipswich’s Championship rivals Portsmouth – following his release from Hull City after he had been suspended for a breach of discipline.

But Jewell, who admitted he had been in regular contact with Bullard since the end of last season, could soon see his perseverance pay off.

Town fans will be hoping the man they made their supporters player of the year last season will sign on the dotted line – and in time for Saturday’s visit of Leeds United.

Jewell has scheduled his pre-match press conference for 9.45am tomorrow and will hope to give an update or even unveil the fans favourite.

- For more on this breaking news story, see tomorrow’s EADT and Evening Star as well as www.greenun24.co.uk throughout tomorrow