Former Town goalkeeper-coach Malcolm Webster has confirmed that he would like a return to Portman Road and a possible reunion with Richard Wright. The 57-year-old is currently with Southampton and started pre-season training with the Saints last Thursday.

Webster said: "I would be very interested. I have had a chat with Saints chairman Rupert Lowe and he knows the score.

"He is aware that if an offer did come from Ipswich it would be something I would like to consider. If it did come we would have to see how things progressed.”

Webster, who left the Blues to follow George Burley to Derby in 2004, appears very much the frontrunner for the role vacated by Andy Rhodes last month with the Blues believed to have narrowed the field down to two or three candidates.

The former Arsenal and Cambridge United player's cause is likely to be helped by his excellent relationship with Richard Wright, who looks set to finally make his move back to Portman Road this summer.

Wright and Webster also worked together at Southampton last season during the former England keeper's spell on loan at St Mary's from West Ham.

Webster is spending this week at Alsager in Cheshire where he runs an annual course for more than 50 keepers from across the country.

Elsewhere, there are various reports suggesting West Brom's interest in Shola Ameobi may have cooled now that Kevin Phillips has decided to stay at the Hawthorns. Town are one of a number of Championship clubs eyeing the Newcastle striker, although the 26-year-old is believed to want to stay in the Premier League with Hull City also understood to be interested.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls