FRENCH defender Ludo Pollet is aiming to extend his playing career by two more years, hopefully by signing for Ipswich Town, or open a children's clothes shop.

FRENCH defender Ludo Pollet is aiming to extend his playing career by two more years, hopefully by signing for Ipswich Town, or open a children's clothes shop.

The 33-year-old is now available after leaving Wolves and while Tranmere, Bradford City and Watford have all been in contact, it is Ipswich who have caught Pollet's imagination.

He said: "All four clubs have shown an interest but I'm not sure those three will have the money to offer me a contract.

"I haven't spoken to Ipswich but my agent says they are interested and he will phone me when he knows something."

Pollet has given up the idea of playing in China, and doesn't hold out much hope of continuing his career in France because of the financial crisis which has hit clubs there.

"My only other option would maybe to go to the United States, but that wouldn't be until December or January," said the former Le Havre defender.

Pollet admits he is getting anxious about his future as players have already returned to training: "I am getting up at 7am and going for a run for an hour but mentally it is very difficult to motivate myself.

"I want to carry on playing football and I've had a few offers, but financially they haven't been acceptable.

"I've spoke with my wife Marie and we're thinking of creating a little business, perhaps opening a clothes shop for children, but it's just an idea at this stage.

"I'm ready to settle down and I have to think of my future because my two boys are now five-and-a-half and seven-years-old and we have to find the right schools for them."

Pollet was released after four years at Molinuex. His swan-song was to play in the play-off semi-final against Reading, but he plays no part in Dave Jones' future plans and was released in May.

Wolves are today due to sign Ukrainian skipper Oleg Luzhny from Arsenal.

With Drissa Diallo already in the bag and joining the squad tomorrow, Blues boss Joe Royle ruled out any more immediate signings but admitted Pollet was someone he was keeping an eye on – just in case.

He said: "With John McGreal and Richard Naylor having problems with their knees, the centre-half position could still be a black hole for us but at the moment I'm not bringing anyone in until we move someone else on.

"I would not rule Ludo out in the future although as yet I have not made any contact with his agent."

Definitely no longer in his plans is Sheffield Wednesday's Finnish striker Shefki Kuqi, who has again been linked with Town.

Royle made no secret that he was interested in taking Kuqi on loan from Wednesday last season but is more than happy with his strike-force who he feels can blast their way to promotion.

Marcus Bent, Darren Bent and Alun Armstrong, have all scored in the Premiership, and in the UEFA Cup.

Royle said: "We have a wealth of strikers right now. We have three who have scored in the Premiership, Pablo I'm sure could do so now and we have one of the most promising strikers in the country as well, so we are looking good there."

Alun Armstrong is on the free transfer list but he has worked extremely hard on his fitness during pre-season and has impressed the coaches with his sharpness and mobility since the squad returned officially last Wednesday.

McGreal has resumed running but is still a couple of weeks away from working with a ball. Naylor is also looking fit after knee problems at the latter part of the campaign but while he is a proven forward, Royle sees Naylor as a central defender.

He will face competition from new signing Drissa Diallo, Thomas Gaardsoe, a soon-to-be-fit-again John McGreal and the impressive 16-year-old Aidan Collins.

derek.davis@eadt.co.uk