Stoke City defender Danny Higginbotham is ready to sign permanently with Ipswich Town.

The 33-year-old defender says he would consider staying on at Ipswich when his loan spell ends in a fortnight before sealing a long-term move to when the transfer window re-opens.

"He's a great lad, a great ambassador for this club and one of the bedrocks it has been built on," said manager Tony Pulis.

"But I understand his wish to be playing, especially at this stage of his career, so if I can help him I certainly will."