Loan defender Moritz Volz says he enjoyed his spell with the Blues and wishes the club well for the future. Volz's time with Town was hampered by injury, with a groin problem particularly limiting his involvement in the second half of the season.

The German's final full game for the Blues came against Derby in the last match of 2008. A return from the groin problem at Sheffield United in April led to a further spell on the sidelines and a second visit to a specialist in Munich.

Right-back Volz, who made 21 starts and two sub appearances for the Blues, failing to score, told his Volzy.com website that it was very frustrating: "I wish I could have finished my loan spell on a different note and also regret deeply that as a team and club we came short of our goal of reaching the play-offs this season.

"I had a good time at the club and met some good people to whom I am very grateful for their help. I will certainly keep an eye out for Ipswich and would like to see them improve next season and return to top flight football."

Volz is out of contract with Fulham this summer but appears unlikely to return to Portman Road.

Meanwhile, Celtic defender Bobo Balde, linked with Town last week, has been invited to spend time training with Birmingham City. The Guinean was a target of Birmingham manager Alex McLeish last summer when he was also interesting the Blues and Sunderland, then managed by Roy Keane.

Another of Keane's former Celtic team-mates, midfielder Paul Hartley, is expected to be offered a new one-year deal at Parkhead. Hartley was believed to be the reason for Keane's trip to watch the Bhoys in action last week.

The Blues boss says he wants to get his summer signings in as early as possible: "I'd like to have our targets at the club by the time we get pre-season under way if I can. It gives the new players time to settle in and helps with the bonding.”

Keane is not looking at giving the squad a major overhaul in the summer with three or four signings more likely than the more significant changes which took place a year ago.

Elsewhere, Rotherham are the latest club to be linked with released Town striker Billy Clarke. The Irishman is already a target of Notts County, while former loan club Brentford are also thought to be interested and Norwich and Oldham are also said to be eyeing the Cork-born frontman.

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