Town are reported to have accepted a bid of £600,000 from Crystal Palace for striker Alan Lee. The Eagles were first linked with the 30-year-old striker a fortnight ago.

Palace manager Neil Warnock confirmed his interest soon after and last week a report claimed the South Londoners had been quoted a price of £750,000 for the former Cardiff man.

Warnock is said to have been given permission to speak to Lee, but is also looking at other striking options with the transfer window due to close on Monday.

Lee has said he wants to remain with the Blues on a number of occasions, but with Town looking for another big frontman will be aware he is likely to play less of a role at Portman Road this season and recently engaged an agent. The Irishman is keen to stay living in Dedham, which a switch to Palace would allow him to do.

Huddersfield came in for him earlier in the transfer window when they recruited Gary Roberts from the Blues, while Preston have also been linked. Both clubs are claimed to have made offers, but neither is likely to be attractive to the ex-Rotherham, Burnley and Aston Villa man.

Meanwhile, Town are again being linked with former Newcastle full-back Stephen Carr, who is also said to be interesting QPR. Town are unlikely to be looking at Carr as anything other than a contingency should the move for Moritz Volz fall through.

After last night's Carling Cup victory over Colchester, Jim Magilton indicated that Volz's loan move from Fulham is nearing completion.

Elsewhere, Charlton, Bristol City and Norwich are reported to have joined Town in chasing Bolton striker Heidar Helguson. The Blues were claimed to be interested in the Icelander earlier in the week.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls