Former West Ham United midfielder Jack Collison trained with Ipswich Town last week, with Blues boss Mick McCarthy now weighing up whether to offer the Welsh international a deal.

East Anglian Daily Times: Frank NoubleFrank Nouble (Image: PAGEPIX LTD 07976 935738)

The 25-year-old – who was born in Watford, but has played 17 times for Wales (qualifying through his grandfather) – penned an emotional 2,800 word open letter to Hammers fans after his release released at the end of last season, having made more than 100 appearances for the club over seven seasons.

It’s understood he had a recent trial at newly-promoted Premier League club QPR before training with Town’s first team squad at Playford Road last week.

Collison is an all-round midfielder who can play centrally or out wide, though just 11 goals in his entire club career suggests he wouldn’t be the answer to Town’s lack of goals from the middle of the pitch. He finished last season on loan at Wigan, playing in their FA Cup semi-final defeat to Arsenal at Wembley.

Meanwhile, it’s understood that Town boss Mick McCarthy is ready to listen to offers – either loan or permanent – for striker Frank Nouble following the acquisition of Conor Sammon on a season-long loan from Derby County.

The 22-year-old, who had a game to forget as Town crashed out of the Capital One Cup at League One side Crawley in midweek, now appears to be behind David McGoldrick, Daryl Murphy, Sammon, Balint Bajner and Jack Marriott in the striker pecking order.

Signed from Wolves for £25,000 in January 2013, becoming reunited with McCarthy and Terry Connor, Nouble – now in the final year of his contract – has made 26 starts and 33 substitute appearances for Town, scoring five goals.