Ipswich Town have recalled George Edmundson from his Middlesbrough loan after rejecting two bids from Boro for the defender.

Boro were keen to make the centre-back a permanent signing this month but have now had two bids rejected by the Tractor Boys. And with a deadline in the loan deal over when Ipswich could recall the 27-year-old due to expire this week, Ipswich have activated the recall.

With Edmundson having played for them against Manchester City earlier in the season, however, the defender won't be eligible to join any other team this month. Having rejected two Boro bids, it would appear Ipswich are banking on Boro upping their bid for the 27-year-old or being forced to keep him at Portman Road until the end of the season, at which point he is out of contract.

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It is unclear at this stage whether Boro will try to negotiate a permanent deal, but Ipswich took their decision to recall on the day of Boro's Important Championship clash with West Brom, of which Edmundson would have been likely to play. It hasn't gone down well with officials on Teesside.

In a statement on the Boro website, the club wrote: "George Edmundson has been recalled by Ipswich Town. The defender’s loan spell was brought to an end by the Premier League club ahead of Boro’s clash with West Bromwich Albion. George is out of contract at Ipswich at the end of the season. Everyone at MFC would like to thank George for all his hard work during his time with us and wishes him all the very best for the future."

Edmundson made 20 appearances for Boro in the first half of the season after joining on deadline day. Michael Carrick had been keen to make him a permanent signing this month to secure his long-term future on Teesside, but it now remains to be seen if Boro pursue that or look elsewhere.