Wantaway Italian keeper Matteo Sereni has failed to return to Town after a weekend back home discussing his move to Lazio. The 28-year-old has told the club that he has misplaced his passport.

Sereni was due back at Portman Road today but rang and told manager Joe Royle about his travel document carelessness.

The sticksman's switch to the Rome club has stalled due to Sereni's lack of enthusiasm for a 50% pay cut.

However, Town chief executive Derek Bowden says that the move could still happen: "Talks have been taking place between the club and Lazio about Matteo and at the moment are ongoing."

Blues' boss Joe Royle has outlined the currently complicated position with regard to the number one shirt: "The keeper situation really is up in the air at the moment. It's a bit messy.

"We've got Andy Marshall as number one but he won't be and it's possible he won't be here at the start of the season.

"We've also got Matteo Sereni, who could be a number one but he doesn't want to be. As for [Javier Sanchez] Broto, he's coming on trial so it's still far too early to say whether he will be our number one or not."

Royle expected the Sereni deal at the weekend but said he would have included him at Southend on Tuesday if he had returned. The Blues will play two different sides in each half at Roots Hall with Nabil Abidallah and Chris Hogg included in addition to the squad which is travelling to Sweden on Wednesday.

The Town manager says that ex-Celtic and Livingstone man Broto comes highly recommended: "I haven't seen him play yet, but our Scottish scout and others in the game have given us excellent reports.

"Much as I trust these sources,however I would be loathe to sign anyone until I have had a good look myself."

Broto may be involved at Southend although Royle understands from his agent that he has not been involved in any training over the summer.

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