After three alleged failed attempts, Ipswich could now finally sign David Nugent for free

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Derby County’s David Nugent has a history with Ipswich Town.

Derby County striker David Nugent is set to leave the Rams this summer when his contract expires, and Ipswich Town should look to finally sign him after alleged previous failed attempts.

Nugent told reporters back in 2013 how he almost signed for the Tractor Boys on three separate occasions and was quoted as saying he would love to play at Portman Road every week due to his scoring record there.

“I like it here – I just wish I could play here every week!” Nugent told the East Anglian Daily Times after netting a double against them for former club Leicester City.

“Ipswich wanted me when I was first coming through at Bury, but I was young (20) and decided it was too far away. I ended up moving to Preston. Then, when I was at Portsmouth, I was coming back from a hernia operation and Jim Magilton gave me a call and asked if I fancied a loan here. [Then], I’d heard strong rumours that Ipswich wanted me again two years ago (under Paul Jewell’s management), but as soon as Leicester showed interest my mind was made up.”

Nugent is arguably past his prime now, yet he remained a popular figure at Derby this past season and manager Frank Lampard chose to start him for the first leg of their Championship play-off clash with Leeds United.

Ipswich struggled badly for goals as they suffered relegation to League One. Paul Lambert’s men notched just 36 goals as they finished in last place.

The Tractor Boys need to bolster their attacking options this summer as Will Keane and Collin Quaner only joined on loan, while Freddie Sears suffered a long-term injury and Kayden Jackson struggled to make an impact.

Ipswich fans will know all about Nugent’s ability to find the net. Prior to his game against them for Middlesbrough in 2016, he had netted an incredible 15 goals in 14 games against the Suffolk club.

While his best days at Championship level are probably behind him, Nugent in League One would still have the nous to net regularly and goals are what Ipswich will need if they harbour hopes of an immediate return.