Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has opened the door to David Healy and Daryl Murphy signing permanently with Ipswich Town.

The duo are currently on loan with Roy Keane's men until the end of the season and, despite being contracted to the Black Cats until the summer of 2012 and 2011 respectively, Bruce may still allow them to leave.

"Both Daryl and David seem happy with Ipswich," Bruce told the Evening Star. "If Ipswich are happy with them we'll sit down and see if we can sort out something agreeable to all parties.

"There's a big difference when dropping down to the Championship. This is reflected in wages and can be a barrier to stop a lot of players moving down.

"Both Daryl and David have been regular members of my squad, but realistically to be fair to them it is time to move on."