McCarthy set for Ipswich job

Ipswich, who parted company with Paul Jewell last week, has interviewed several candidates but is reported to have more talks lined up with the former Wolverhampton Wanderers and Sunderland boss today (Thursday AEDT).

While reports of a three-year deal already being agreed may be premature, it looks likely McCarthy will be handed the task of steering Town away from relegation trouble in Championship, with an announcement expected before this weekend's trip to Birmingham City.

McCarthy, who has also attracted interest from Crystal Palace, has been out of work since being sacked by Wolves in February and looks set to beat off competition from Owen Coyle and Alan Shearer for the role.

Town finds itself cut adrift at the foot of the table, following a 12-match winless sequence and a club-record run of 10 league games without a home victory, which stretches back to March.