Ipswich Town manager Paul Hurst says he is due to speak further to veteran defender James Collins about signing for the Blues.

The 35-year-old is a free agent following his release by West Ham this summer and, because of that, he can still sign for a club even though the permanent and loan transfer windows have both shut.

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Asked about his reported interest in the 51-cap Welsh international following this afternoon’s 1-1 home draw with Norwich City, Hurst said: “We spoke to him last week and are due to have another conversation. I wouldn’t particularly rule it out. It’s certainly not a case of him just coming in to sign paperwork, but it’s something we will look at.”

Town currently have just three senior centre-backs in Luke Chambers, Toto Nsiala (who is suspended for the next two games) and Matthew Pennington, who arrived on loan from Everton just rior to last Friday’s deadline.

Homegrown centre-back Luke Woolfenden was allowed to join League Two side Swindon Town on loan for the season with a January break clause.

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Town have shown interest in veteran defender Gareth McAuley, also a free agent, but the former Blues man is reportedly on the verge of joining Scottish side Rangers.