Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy has been at loggerheads with the club's fans for quite some time now. 

The former Wolves boss has a contract at Portman Road that only runs until the end of the season and there is precious little sign that a renewal will be forthcoming.

A large proportion of Tractor Boys fans would be happy if McCarthy parted ways with the club as soon as possible and a shock development has presented the opportunity of that happening.

According to the Daily Mail, two sides hovering on the fringes of the Championship relegation battle - Reading and Sheffield Wednesday - are looking at the former Republic of Ireland boss to be the new man in their hotseat if they part company with Jaap Stam and Jos Luhukay respectively.

In another twist, the struggling pair might also face Premier League competition for McCarthy's signature as basement club West Brom are reportedly interested as well.

The Verdict

This is a surprise development, there's no doubt about that.

Appointing McCarthy would be a major change of tact for any of these three clubs - surely an example of clubs making a point of departing hugely from the style of their previous manager.

His pragmatism might actually be better suited to the short-termism of the Premier League relegation battle, as the Championship clubs sniffing around may be best of waiting until the summer.

Where should McCarthy go next? Let us know in the comments below...