RICHARD Wright is poised to rejoin Ipswich Town.The Everton keeper, who was on the bench for their 4-2 defeat against Manchester United, has been told he will not be offered a new deal at Goodison Park and will become a free agent in the summer.

By Derek Davis

RICHARD Wright is poised to rejoin Ipswich Town.

The Everton keeper, who was on the bench for their 4-2 defeat against Manchester United, has been told he will not be offered a new deal at Goodison Park and will become a free agent in the summer.

Although a number of clubs are interested in the former England keeper, it is understood he favours a return to Portman Road.

Although Wright was at the Playford Road training centre during the week, the EADT understands no formal talks have been held as yet and, like a number of former players who have houses in Ipswich, he was visiting on a social basis.

Blues boss Jim Magilton would not be drawn on Wright's return, but nor would he rule out the possibility.

He said: “We are aware that Richard will be available in the summer. He is a player that will always be linked with Ipswich because of his close connections with the club.”

After signing for Arsenal from Ipswich in a £5million move in 2001, and then going to Everton for £3.5m, Wright has been on decent Premiership wages, believed to be about £20,000 a week, so he would have to take a massive pay cut.

His arrival would also mean either Shane Supple or Lewis Price going out on loan next season or being sold.

Town have also been linked with ageing striker Dean Windass, but there is no basis to that, except that he is friendly with the Blues' goalkeeping coach Andy Rhodes.