Stoke defender Danny Higginbotham set to leave club permanently

Stoke defender Danny Higginbotham looks set to leave the club on a permanent basis in January - but not for Ipswich. Town on Friday agreed an extended deal with Stoke for the defender, who arrived at the start of September on a deal until the new year. But Higginbotham, 34, who has made 12 appearances for the Championship club, now looks set for a move elsewhere after rival clubs showed interest in his services. Manager Mick McCarthy told Ipswich's official website: "We had agreed a deal with Danny to stay but there has been interest in him from other clubs. "That comes as no surprise as he's a terrific professional and that's why we wanted to keep him here. "He wants the chance to earn a permanent move and preferably something which is closer to his home. "I can understand that and if it works out for him then I wish him all the best of luck."