Royle in Ipswich talks - report

Joe Royle has admitted having talks about the vacant manager’s job at First Division Ipswich.

And there is speculation he could be installed at Portman Road as early as tomorrow.

Royle has been out of football since May last year after being sacked by Manchester City.

“I have spoken with the Ipswich chairman (David Sheepshanks) and hope to speak to him again soon,” he told the Manchester Evening News.

“Ipswich are a well run club and I would be interested in managing them. But nothing has been signed or sealed yet.”

The Suffolk side are struggling after relegation last season and dismissed George Burley as manager.

They lost 1-0 to Gillingham yesterday – hardly ideal preparation for their UEFA Cup match against Slovan Liberec on Thursday.

Caretaker manager Tony Mowbray admits he is still in the dark over his future.

“I’d like to think the directors are looking for what is best for this football club in the long term,” he said.

“Changing a losing mentality takes longer than one or two weeks. No manager can just flick a switch to change things.

“I think the future at the club can be bright. We have some good young players, and there are plenty of positives.”