Cash-strapped Watford are reported to be interested in taking Town defender Wayne Brown back to Vicarage Road on a free transfer. Brown spent a successful three-month loan spell with the Hornets last season and they were keen to sign him but were put off by Town's price-tag.

By the time Brown was playing in Hertfordshire former manager Gianluca Vialli had already run out of cash so the £500,000 price Town slapped on Brown was out of their reach.

Despite being in a serious financial state at present Watford recently took Jermaine Pennant on loan from Arsenal and manager Ray Lewington will be looking to get permission from his board to approach Brown.

The Hornets are in a position where they need to raise £9.5 million to keep afloat over the next two years. They are trying to offload their more expensive assets with Tommy Smith reportedly a target of Charlton. Any sales when the new transfer window opens may free Lewington's hand to bring in players who are available without a fee.

Brown himself says he was surprised that Joe Royle released him but is grateful for his honesty: "I have mixed feelings about being released. It came as a bit of a surprise when I was told, but on the other hand I have not been involved for a couple of weeks.

"I would like to have been given a chance under him. When I was left out of the squad for the trip to Sheffield the manager told me I had not done anything wrong but I have not played since.

"I'm glad he has told me now and I appreciate his honesty, in fact he has been as good as gold to me. It would have been harder three or four months down the line to get fixed up. At least now I can get my head down and find somewhere."

Brown turned down a new Town contract last season as he was after regular first team football, something he rarely got during his seven years as a professional at Town.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls