TWTD has learnt that a second loan spell with Brescia may be the most likely scenario for keeper Matteo Sereni in 2003/04. Sereni wants to remain in Italy, however no club appears able to pay a fee or match his wages at present.

The Italian has another two years left on his Portman Road contract and the Blues are hoping to get something back on the £4.8 million they paid for him in 2001.

However, they are also concerned that his £22,000-a-week wages - the highest at the club - are not put back on the payroll once his loan contract with Brescia ends on June 30th, despite this being taken into consideration in the club's business plan.

Should another loan period be fixed, the club will want a clause regarding a future permanent transfer for next summer with a sell-on stipulated if he does end up having to leave Portman Road for a low fee or free transfer.

A permanent deal with Strasbourg or Guingamp for Ulrich Le Pen looks more certain to be agreed during July with a fee of some sort still on the cards.

Photo: Action Images

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