Ipswich Town boss Roy Keane is hoping to tie up a loan transfer for his former Republic of Ireland team-mate Ian Harte from Carlisle before the Football League loan deadline expires on Thursday.

'Keano' is looking bolster his squad as they currently languish second bottom of the Championship table following a dreadful start to the season, which includes just one win in 17 games, and sees his old pal Harte as an ideal acquisition.

The 32-year-old full-back is currently enjoying a successful season with Carlisle and has already scored seven goals for the Cumbrians, form which has prompted the interest from Portman Road.

Carlisle boss Greg Abbott has admitted that Keane has enquired about one of his players but refused to confirm the identity.

"There has been a question asked about one of our players and we are aware of the speculation," he told BBC Radio Cumbria, who believe the player in question is indeed Harte.

The former Leeds United player has struggled to find his form since departing Elland Road back in 2004 and has had an unsuccessful spell in Spain with Levante as well as with Sunderland and Blackpool.

But he now appears to be rediscovering the kind of form which made him one of the most sought after full-backs in the Premier League in the late 90s.

Keane has until 5pm on Thursday to conclude a deal, after which time Football League clubs will not be able to enter the transfer market again until the January transfer window opens.