Ipswich Town are ready to launch a £2million bid for Birmingham City striker Clayton Donaldson, according to reports from The Green 'Un.
The 31-year-old made the move to the Blues last summer on a free transfer from Championship new boys Brentford and made a strong impact at St Andrews, going on to score 16 goals in 48 matches and being voted the Players' and Supporters' Player of the Year at the club's end of season awards dinner.
Donaldson would fit McCarthy's style at Portman Road
Before his Championship breakthrough season, Donaldson had spent the vast majority of his career plying his trade in Scotland and the lower leagues of English football. Donaldson is a tall striker who has become renowned for his hard-working style, meaning he should have the ability to adapt to working as a lone striker in Mick McCarthy's preferred Blues 4-2-3-1 system.
Many characteristics of Donaldson's play are similar to those of Daryl Murphy, Ipswich's top scorer and key man in their playoff charge last season. This could suggest that the Donaldson may be used as cover should he make the move to Portman Road, particularly in the case of an injury to their top marksman.
However, there is also thought to be a significant amount of Football League interest for Republic of Ireland marksman Murphy, with Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday widely reported to have tabled bids around the £4million mark. The Tractor Boys, however, appear to be holding out for a fee closer to £5million with no bids accepted at this stage.
Ipswich could face competition for the forward
In addition to the potential bid from Ipswich, it is also thought to be the case that Reading are also thought to be interested in Donaldson, according to reports on social media from Royals journalist Charles Watts, who broke the story via social media on Friday morning.
The Berkshire side slumped to a disappointing 19th place in the Championship last season, with a chronic shortage of goals a main factor in this, and Royals boss Steve Clarke has also made no secret his desire to bolster Reading's attacking options.