The wires are abuzz with reports of a last-minute loan swoop
Weds 25 Nov 09
Roy Keane is closing in on another Irish compatriot amid reports he is set to swoop for former Leeds left-back Ian Harte before tomorrow's loan transfer deadline, with BBC Radio Cumbria reporting that Ipswich have made an approach to take Harte on loan from League One Carlisle United.
A set piece specialist, the experienced defender is Carlisle's top scorer this season – but Town fans will be hoping he is joined in Suffolk by a more traditional goal-getter as the search for a centre forward intensifies. The 32-year-old left-back, who has also played for Levante in Spain, is a former Republic of Ireland team mate of Keane's and played under the Irishman at Sunderland.
Harte, who was in the Carlisle side in last night's 4-3 thrilling win at MK Dons, has scored seven goals for the Cumbrians this season.
According to reports, Carlisle have confirmed that an approach has been made by Ipswich for one of their players – prompting speculation that it could have been former Pompey forward Vincent Pericard who scored twice in the seven-goal thriller in Milton Keynes. But the smart money now seems to be on Harte being targeted as Keane looks for experience.
Carlisle boss Greg Abbott said: "There has been a question asked about one of our players and we are aware of the speculation. But we are very much focused on what is a very tough run of fixtures at this moment in time."
What Harte's arrival would mean for current full-backs Liam Rosenior and David Wright remains to be seen, especially when the Ipswich defence has tightened up of late. It is also unclear how Town fans will take to the potential loan signing – especially coming just 24 hours after Championship rivals, Nottingham Forest, snapped up fellow left-back, and England international, Nicky Shorey from Aston Villa.
The priority remains a forward with Ipswich said to be targeting an unnamed striker from outside of the Premier League.
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