Town target Matthew Upson has been named in Stoke’s 25-man Premier League squad for the first half of the season.

As reported yesterday, the former England international is one of the central defenders Paul Jewell is hoping to bring to Portman Road on loan.

His inclusion in the 25 would appear to suggest that the Potters are not currently inclined to let the 33-year-old move out on a longer term basis, although a shorter loan spell with the inclusion of a recall clause may appeal from Stoke's perspective to keep the Eye-born centre-half match fit. Jewell, however, may choose to look elsewhere if that is the case as he is looking for players who he ultimately wants to sign on a permanently.

Upson's first team opportunities at the Britannia Stadium would seem likely to be limited with a number of central defenders ahead of him in the pecking order.

One player who has been left out of the Potters’ squad is previous Blues target Danny Higginbotham, who could also be in the thoughts of Jewell and other Championship managers.

Jewell confirmed that he tried to sign the 33-year-old former Sunderland man on loan in January prior to him joining Nottingham Forest on a similar spell.

Meanwhile, we understand QPR's Clint Hill is also amongst the players on Jewell's list of potential loanees, however, the former Tranmere, Stoke and Crystal Palace man probably won't be available with the West Londoners' central defensive options currently lacking depth. The 33-year-old has been named in the 25 at Loftus Road.

Elsewhere, former Rangers defender Kirk Broadfoot, who was linked with the Blues last week, has completed a switch to Blackpool.

Photo: Action Images

MattinLondon added 11:42 - Sep 6 Just imagine if you go to a Town game in a really optimistic mood and then found yourself surrounded by walberswick , Daley, h32, Jas0999 and righty. Think I could go to the tenth minute without feeling anger or suicidal. Not sure if anyone can better 10 minutes?
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TractorBeezer added 12:50 - Sep 6 Moirgan...Campbell is named in the Sunderland squad
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Kesgraveblue57 added 14:53 - Sep 6 To the above it has never been about personal it's down to man management and coaching, Jewell is p-- poor at both, and that my friend is not a magic wand it's called running a team and Jewell just can't do that!
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truthhurts added 17:39 - Sep 6 "To the above it has never been about personal it's down to man management and coaching, Jewell is p-- poor at both, and that my friend is not a magic wand it's called running a team and Jewell just can't do that!" Certainly no worse than the fool that was Keano!! Would take any manager a few years to sort out that shambles of a management regime...
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churchmansboy added 19:41 - Sep 6 Lets forget the links and the speculation. The loan window opens tomorrow, and its an international break... Lets get some business done! Its unlikely we will be signing and England International, and we don't just want somebody with a suffolk passport... Come n PJ, SC and ME excite us fans. Especially those who sat through Saturday's shocking defensive performance. And that goes for Cresswell who was the worst of the lot...... New back 4!!!!!

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churchmansboy added 19:50 - Sep 6 Exciting when the cameras are on. And his head not turned by Premier Club.
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