Sunderland boss Mick McCarthy is ready to renew his interest in Ipswich striker Shefki Kuqi now that the Suffolk side have seen their promotion hopes disappear.

Northern Echo SPORT revealed McCarthy was originally interested in the Finland international last summer but, after initially hinting that Kuqi would be allowed to leave, Ipswich boss Joe Royle opted to keep the striker at Portman Road.

He responded with 22 goals as the Tractor Boys narrowly missed out on the top two, but was unable to prevent his side losing to West Ham in the Championship play-offs last week.

Kuqi's contract expires at the end of June and, while he has spoken of his willingness to sign a new deal, missing out on the Premiership is likely to affect his decision.

With Kevin Kyle's future still in doubt, McCarthy is desperate to sign a target-man ahead of the start of the new season.

His pursuit of Borussia Dortmund frontman Jan Koller came to nothing last week, but Kuqi would represent an equally imposing alternative.

Keeper Michael Ingham has spurned the chance of a move to League Two Grimsby Town, opting instead for Wrexham.

Ingham was being eyed by Town manager Russell Slade as a replacement for current Mariners keeper, Anthony Williams, the former Hartlepool custodian, who has yet to accept the club's offer of a reduced package.

Slade said: "There were a few clubs in for Michael but we hoped he would come to Blundell Park. He's been on loan at Wrexham before which probably swayed him."