RORY Fallon’s chances of securing a permanent deal with Ipswich Town have moved a step closer after a rival club ruled out making a move for the striker.

Fallon’s current loan spell at Town runs out later this month and League One Sheffield Wednesday were said to be interested in signing the Plymouth Argyle frontman on a permanent basis.

But Wednesday boss Alan Irvine has confirmed that he is not interested in signing the New Zealand international who scored his first goal for the Blues in the New Year’s Day draw at Coventry City.

The manager said: “We have not made an approach to Plymouth about Fallon. I’m well aware of Fallon, I have actually known about him since he was a youth team player at Barnsley when I was at Newcastle. He is a good player but we have not made an inquiry for him.”

It remains to be seen whether Roy Keane will look to sign Fallon permanently from cash-strapped Plymouth when his loan spell expires on January 15.