Ipswich Town are closing on the loan addition of Middlesbrough right-back Frazer Richardson.

The 31-year-old will not be signed in time for tomorrow’s Championship visit of Reading, but could arrive in time for next Tuesday’s trip to Leeds United – the club he started his career at.

Richardson has made 11 league starts for Boro this season but has been on the bench of late due to a change of system (three at the back) under new manager Aitor Karanka. He was reportedly close to joining Blackpool on loan before Paul Ince’s sacking by the Tangerines.

The former Leeds, Stoke, Charlton and Southampton player will compete with Luke Chambers for the right-back slot, with Elliott Hewitt and Freddie Veseli out on loan at Gillingham and Bury respectively.

On the latter two, manager Mick McCarthy said: “It’s important for them to get games. I’ve got them on 24-hour recall at the moment, but if I can get someone in to replace them then I’ll be tempted to leave them where they are.

“If they play the next 20 games I’ll know then that they’ll be better off for next season and will be in a better position to compete for the first team compared to if they had been here sat on the bench.”