With Ipswich manager Paul Hurst revealing that he may dip into the free agent market to find a replacement striker, a former Tractor Boys striker has admitted he would be open to a return to Portman Road. 

Darren Bent had a successful start to his professional career in a four-year-spell with Ipswich from 2001-2005.

The 34-year-old scored 48 goals in 122 appearances for the club in a hugely successful start to his career. He left the club in 2005 to join Charlton where he enjoyed a successful time with the Addicks.

13 years after Bent left Portman Road, he was released by Championship side Derby County after scoring 12 goals in 58 matches for the Rams. He did move on loan in his last season with the club as he joined Burton Albion but failed to make a real impact, scoring just twice.

But with Ipswich strikers Jon Walters and Ellis Harrison being ruled out for the foreseeable future, Hurst has no other choice but to search for a free agent- and Bent could be the answer to his striker shortage.

The striker admitted that he would be open to a return to Ipswich.

"There’s been no contact, but obviously it’s something I would be open to," he told the East Anglian Daily Times.

“It’s a club close to my heart. That’s where it all started for me, I had a lot of good days there and a great relationship with the fans.

Bent described it as being a potential fitting end to his career that has seen him score over 200 goals in his professional career over a 17-year-spell.

“Going back there one day has always been something in the back of my mind throughout my career.

“I think it would be fitting if that was the last stop on my journey."

The verdict

I think Portman Road could be a potential destination for Bent to conclude his career.

But the 34-year-old will have to prove his match fitness to boss Paul Hurst before anything is signed as the Ipswich boss will be looking for a short-term option that he knows will guarantee him goals.

If Bent thinks he is the man to fire Ipswich out of the relegation zone, then he is going to have to prove himself.