Shola Ameobi's move to Portman Road is on hold after a hamstring injury was revealed during the striker's medical. The problem is unlikely to be sorted before the closure of the transfer window next Monday and Town and Newcastle are discussing other options regarding the striker.

Ameobi suffered the injury during pre-season and the problem was picked up during the medical the 26-year-old underwent at Portman Road yesterday. The clubs have agreed a fee believed to be £2.5 million plus top-ups but the deal now looks unlikely to go through, at least in the short-term.

Town boss Jim Magilton told the club site that the Blues are keen to avoid signing a player who might be out injured for a lengthy spell: "It's disappointing, but you have to be careful with hamstring injuries and we don't want a repeat of last season when Shefki Kuqi joined us and suffered a hamstring injury in his first game."

It is possible that the clubs could agree an initial loan spell – either before or after the transfer window closes - with a permanent move to follow at a later date. Alternatively, the Blues may look elsewhere for a new frontman.

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