Town are hoping that they will receive permission for Darren Ambrose to return on loan from Newcastle United. Ambrose completed his move to St James' Park yesterday, a deal worth just £1 million to Town initially.

The club have been seeking special dispensation from the Football League and Football Association for the 19-year-old to return on loan and will learn if they are successful today. Normally clubs in administration are banned from players coming in in any circumstance.

Town manager Joe Royle is keen for a swift return of Ambrose: "I'm delighted for the lad, Newcastle are a great club and I'm sure he will go on to do well there. But I'm pleased we will have him back and I believe we will see the best of him now.

"His form dipped slightly of late with all the conjecture and his injury but now he can play without any worries and we will see him back to his creative best."

Royle is clear that the fees for both Ambrose and Hermann Hreidarsson, in talks with Portsmouth yesterday, were far less than might have been received in a different financial climate: "We have been robbed by both clubs really, but we have had to do the best for Ipswich Town in the circumstances."

No further bids are understood to have been made and no more moves are expected before Thursday's deadline.

The money from the Ambrose and Hreidarsson deals is likely to go towards covering the club's wage bill while they are in administration.

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