Town manager Joe Royle has confirmed that there is a provisional agreement between the Blues and Sheffield Wednesday to take the Finnish international to Portman Road permanently. However, Royle says he is not yet sure whether he'll be able to afford to buy him without someone else leaving first.

Reports in the north at the weekend claimed a £250,000 fee had been agreed between the two clubs for the striker who is currently on loan at Portman Road for three months.

Royle says that this is essentially the case, although he won't be drawn on a precise figure: "That's probably the state of play. I don't want to talk figures. You don't want to be inviting other people to know what we're going to do."

The matter of funding the signing still appears to be up in the air however, with Royle admitting that he is as yet unaware whether a player might have to go in order to bring in the cash: “Ask me in three months time,” said Royle of the situation.

Newspaper claims that Matt Richards is likely to be on his way appear overstated, with Royle confirming that he has had no enquiries regarding any of his squad: “No, we haven't received any interest for any of our players.”

Rumours that Pablo Couñago may be on his way were also rubbished by the Town manager.

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