Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard is the latest name to be linked with the Town manager’s job.

According to The Sun on Sunday, Town owner Marcus Evans has “sounded out” Gerrard on whether he would be interested in succeeding Mick McCarthy via a third party.

Gerrard is currently the U18s coach at the Anfield academy but is expected to eventually step up into senior management, whether that’s now or after he has gained further coaching experience at a lower level.

The 37-year-old, pictured above in action for England against Croatia at Portman Road in 2003, was previously linked with the MK Dons, while other clubs are also said to have shown interest.

Gerrard’s England team-mate Frank Lampard is also thought to be a potential candidate for the Town job and it's understood that the ex-Chelsea and West Ham man has had some contact with the Blues regarding the role as he similarly looks to start his management career.

We understand Town have received very significant interest since McCarthy announced he would be moving on at the end of the season a fortnight ago before exiting ahead of that schedule on Tuesday.

Lincoln manager Danny Cowley is still the bookies’ favourite for the role at 2-1 with Bet Victor despite the Imps boss and his brother and assistant Nicky being close to signing new extended contracts at Sincil Bank.

Ex-Blues skipper and coach Tony Mowbray remains second-favourite at 5-1 with Shrewsbury boss Paul Hurst - a manager very much in the up and coming mould Town are understood to favour appointing - now third-favourite at 10-1.

Elsewhere in the Sunday tabloids, Mowbray is linked with his old job at West Brom, who have also been mentioned in connection with former Blues boss McCarthy. Another ex-Baggies manager Derek McInnes, currently at Aberdeen, is also claimed to be among the leading candidates.

Meanwhile, the Sunday People claims the Blues and Sunderland are keen on signing Reading keeper Jonathan Bond when he comes out of contract in the summer.

Bond, 24, who has been on loan at Peterborough this season, started his career with Watford and had loan spells at Brackley Town, Dagenham and Redbridge, Forest Green Rovers and Bury before joining the Royals, for whom he has made only 14 appearances in 2015.

He was with Gillingham in the first half of last season before joining Posh, for whom he has been a regular starter until recent weeks, in the summer.

Town may well be in the market for another senior keeper in the summer with Bartosz Bialkowski expected to receive interest from January suitors Crystal Palace among others.

However, with the management situation unlikely to be resolved until the summer, links with players should currently be taken with a pinch of salt.

Photo: Action Images

Elwood added 10:21 - Apr 16 The only managerial appointment that I can recall that met with almost universal approval was Roy Keane. Ramsey (no experience) Robson (sacked) and Burley (lower league) were not greeted with great enthusiasm. So not bothered if ME choice gets lukewarm response, just hope its 4th time lucky.
3

legal_blue added 10:32 - Apr 16 Gerrard? Terrible idea. Just a ‘big name', less merited than Roy Keane and likely even worse.
0

Razor added 10:59 - Apr 16 Yes this wouild be a romantic appointment but would definitely put bums on seats and the more you thinkl about it------
1

Southamptonblue added 11:34 - Apr 16 As Bell & Spurling once sang... Steven Gerrard crossed the German line Mr Churchill would be proud as he put up the victory sign Stevie stevie stevie steve gerrard He mugged Dietmar Hamman cos he is well 'ard However, being able to mug Dietmar Hamman is no qualification for managing a football club! It's still Steijn or bust for me.
3

Steelmonkey added 12:56 - Apr 16 At least he'd be able to spot that we have something missing in midfield, oh hang on I think I said that about Keane.
3

Vanisleblue2 added 14:43 - Apr 16 Injured or sick X1 GetKen, Iorfa, Bishop, Huws, Webster, Chambers, Adyemi. Dozzell. Garner, McGoldrick, Celina
1

Vanisleblue2 added 14:43 - Apr 16 Injured or sick X1 GetKen, Iorfa, Bishop, Huws, Webster, Chambers, Adyemi. Dozzell. Garner, McGoldrick, Celina
1

scunnyblue added 17:19 - Apr 16 Probably just press talk. Could be great. Could be a complete flop. Prefer that somone else gives him his first job.. League 2 side or somthing than with us right now
0

wayway added 20:38 - Apr 16 There is a ton of difference between Gerrard and Keane, Gerrard always comes over as level headed and presentable while his on field record was second to none. he has been working in the fantastic youth set up at Liverpool which has produced Alexander Arnold and Woodburn amongst others. I think he would be worth a punt especially with his contacts in the game. Better him than the Wally with the Brolly

2

ChrisFelix added 21:14 - Apr 16 The bloke who wouldn't leave Merseyside when Chelsea tempted him with millions a few years. No way he is coming to Suffolk
1

MinnesotaKicks added 22:46 - Apr 16 To quote Barry Davies "Interesting....Very interesting." With an experienced assistant, it could work. But I still favor Cowley or Nathan Jones.
0

Bluroo added 09:42 - Apr 17 Nervous times. ITFC haven't made a good managerial appointment since 1994, that's nearly a quarter of a century ago so I don't have a lot of faith that we'll get this one right.. I hope we go high risk, with a Gerrard type appointment. There isn't much of a downside. Experience in the form of Royle and Dino brought nothing but depression. What on earth are people hoping for with suggestions such as Unsworth? Another 5 years of safety in oblivion I suppose. This is sport. Ok Keane didn't work (due to his character) but the thought was the right one, roll the dice Marcus...

-1

Tessah added 10:52 - Apr 17 I still think that sacking Jim Magilton was a mistake but I never heard any criticism of that at the time, most people were euphoric because they though we had hit the big time. By the way it looks like Jack Lankester could be the next Jordan Rhodes for us.Keep him.
2

BeattiesBackPocket added 11:01 - Apr 17 Bluroo are you sure about your comments over Joe Royle? He got us in the play offs twice, scoring goals galore in the process with good flowing football and having had to sell our best players and see the club through administration! Agree with appointments since but to compare Royle with McCarthy is an absolute joke!
2

stiffy501 added 11:03 - Apr 17 No experience + no budget = no thank you
0

Ippy89 added 13:03 - Apr 17 Bring in Shefki Kuqi
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JamesBlue91 added 13:34 - Apr 17 If we appoint Steven Gerrard I can't help thinking it'll be like hiring Roy Keane all over again
1

JamesBlue91 added 14:32 - Apr 17 Its a no brainer. The next Ipswich manager should be Maurice Steijn because he has achieved with VVV Venlo exactly what we want to achieve, and when he got there they were in an identical situation to what we are both on and off the pitch. He said he is up for the challenge and wants to come to England. Bring in Maurice Steijn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3

Bluebongo added 17:40 - Apr 17 At last, a sensible comment,quite agree with you JamesBlue91.BRING IN MAURICE STEIJN.
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H1960 added 08:30 - Apr 18 Sorry magnus68 interesting meant to mark up not down
0

bluesman added 06:17 - Apr 21 Going down
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