Midfielder Alan Mahon's loan with Town is expected to restart this week in time for him to be involved in Wednesday's home reserve game against Chelsea (7pm). Mahon picked up a hamstring injury against Stoke and was then struck down by a flu bug.

The Blackburn man is looking for some involvement against former loan club Cardiff on Saturday. Mahon's lack of match practice and Ian Westlake's good form could see the Irishman on the bench at Ninian Park.

Joe Royle has said repeatedly that he wants to sign all three loanees with the players also apparently keen to remain at Portman Road.

Mahon has another year on his deal at Blackburn after this season and it is understood that the Ewood Park club may be willing to allow him to leave on a free should no one offer a fee for him during the January transfer window.

Chris Bart-Williams is out of contract at the end of the season and is not flavour of the month at the Valley. The 29-year-old is also likely to be available on a free transfer. As with Mahon wages look to be the biggest potential stumbling block.

Town and Sheffield Wednesday are reported to have agreed a provisional deal which would make the Shefki Kuqi's stay at Portman Road permanent.

Reports from Yorkshire suggested that a £250,000 fee had been agreed, although TWTD understands that under the tentative agreement the Blues would not pay a fee unless they are promoted to the Premiership in May.

Wednesday, relegated to Division Two, are keen to rid themselves of the Finnish international's £6,000-a-week wage as Chris Turner rebuilds.

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