Town’s loan move for Leicester midfielder Anthony Knockaert has broken down. The 23-year-old was due to link up with the Blues later in the week with the clubs having agreed a deal.

As TWTD reported earlier in the week, Knockaert has been back in his native France for the last few days and now, having returned to the club, has decided he doesn't want to leave the Foxes.

Manager Mick McCarthy suggested that the deal might have broken down when questioned about Knockaert by Radio Suffolk following last night’s 4-2 victory over Birmingham when he said he didn’t expect anyone to sign before Sunday’s derby at Norwich

The former Guingamp man, who has struggled to win a place in the Leicester side since their promotion, is out of contract at the end of the season and is believed to be interesting a number of overseas clubs, who are entitled to sign him on a pre-contract agreement.

Knockaert is understood to believe he will be better served by remaining with a Premier League side while he searches for a new side rather than taking a drop into the Championship.

Questioned on his interest in Knockaert on Monday, McCarthy said he had made approaches for a number of other players: “I’ve spoken to lots of clubs about lots of players, if someone throws that one out.

“He’s a quality player and if I could get somebody of that quality then why wouldn’t I? But I’ve spoken to loads of people. I don’t know how these stories get out, somebody tells [someone].”

He later added: “I go back to my original comment, whether we can get anybody, if they can make us better then I would try and do it."

Photo: Action Images

bluefeast added 17:50 - Feb 25 Hes not class , he is mentally weak. If i had gods gift to play 1st team football for a side challenging for promotion i would grab it. Clearly this lad is more interested in doing nothing for his money. Move on we dont want players like this. Would he die for our club ,go that extra bit ,put his head in where it hurts ,no because he wants his new club and 3 year deal in the summer. Good ridence to that brat mentality.

2

jas0999 added 18:05 - Feb 25 A real shame. Plan B? Great result last night, but we have a right back playing left wing. We certainly need to strengthen in that area.
6

blueboy1981 added 18:11 - Feb 25 ......... may just make sense if players are spoken to about a move prior to Club's agreeing - this one is obviously not for ITFC - wrong attitude in this case - forget, move on, and let him stew in his own bench juice. Only interested in people who want to be at the Club.
4

runaround added 18:29 - Feb 25 Shame as he looked like he would be a great addition but if he doesn't want to play for our club we move on
0

Warkys_Tash added 18:39 - Feb 25 HAMMER BLOW
0

RegencyBlue added 18:51 - Feb 25 We need some quality loan signings and we need them now IMHO so lets do some business!
4

Warkys_Tash added 19:05 - Feb 25 Funny on here some making stupid comments that AK is this or that, he didn't come because of this reason or that & to say he just good enough is absolutely hilarious. The truth is no-one on here knows the complete set of circumstances. Whatever they were it is a massive disappointment for all Town fans that he is not coming, believe!
2

Arthur added 19:42 - Feb 25 It could be a close escape ... He looks like (a thin) Michael Chopra in that picture.
2

brittaniaman added 19:46 - Feb 25 Changing subjects here ! I am not a Forest fan but I would love to cheer them on tonight to beat Bournemouth and that Eddie Howe !!!!!!!!!!
2

wayway added 20:25 - Feb 25 Can you blame him?
0

guildford_blue added 21:06 - Feb 25 Who cares, doesn't want to be here. F@ck him
1

oldegold added 21:27 - Feb 25 Je pense che Knockaert ne voulait pas jouer pour le mythique Bleus après le debacle Saint Etienne dans 1981 e le foot Francais c'est ne pas riprendre. Monsieurs Mills et Mariner ont reussir a demarquer l'image du foot francais. Il n'est pas un jouer pour Ipswich et il est moins le garcon juste pour nous. Sur et avant !
1

bluesince84 added 21:45 - Feb 25 Go notts Forrest !!!!!!!!!!!!
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jocasaja added 22:25 - Feb 25 I am more interested in getting behind our current team - very excited about 'Fast Freddie Sears' - terrific last night..also still got a few gems waiting for their chance ! COYB !!!
1

TimmyH added 22:40 - Feb 25 Shame but got a feeling Mick would get tired of him not giving 100% when we don't have the ball (looking into my Crystal Ball). As said move on...BUT we do need a QUALITY wing man/creative midfielder in asap!
1

runningout added 22:56 - Feb 25 Blessing....
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BlueInBerks added 23:33 - Feb 25 Sacre bleu!
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 05:25 - Feb 26 Pity! But you can't blame Mick for this one.
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dirtydingusmagee added 07:57 - Feb 26 so sitting on a bench in the prem instead of playing well in the championship ,enhances your prospects ,RIGHT.That is typical of an overpaid player, with an oversized ego .
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BillBlue added 09:19 - Feb 26 Probably a good thing, it might force MM to look at some of the excellent players he has signed and not bothered to give an opportunity to yet. Play your best players MM, play them in their right positions and we will go up as Chamions.
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rickw added 11:42 - Feb 26 We don't want a player with that sort of mentality anyway
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blueboy1981 added 18:02 - Feb 26 ........ not so sure we would now Bill - I think we certainly could have, with such earlier action.
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Razor added 18:10 - Feb 26 Because he wanted to actually play and not sit on the bench.
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