Ex-Blue Darren Ambrose is the first name to be mentioned as a possible loan target now that Joe Royle has ability to bring in players. Marcus Bent's departure yesterday has saved Town around £500,000 in wages allowing Royle to loan players.

Ambrose was sold to Newcastle for £1 million by administrators Deloitte and Touche in March, at the same time Hermann Hreidarsson joined Charlton. Their exits allowed cash-strapped Town to pay the wage bill during April and May.

Town representatives are reported to have watched Ambrose in Newcastle's reserve game at Aston Villa last night, a game the Magpies won 2-1.

Should he return Ambrose would be a popular choice amongst fans. A lan deal would also please best mate Darren Bent who profited from Ambrose's endeavours down the flanks last season.

Ambrose was recently at the Town Training Centre to watch the reserves beat Southampton 2-0.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls