Both Shefki Kuqi and Darren Bent were linked with moves to Sunderland by tabloids over the weekend, while the Blues were mentioned in connection with a couple of League One players. According to other reports, it looks like neither Mo Camara nor Duncan Ferguson will be moving to Portman Road.

Separate tabloid sources claimed that out-of-contract Kuqi and fellow striker Bent could be on Mick McCarthy's promotion wish list.

The Blues are reported to have ended their apparent interest in Everton striker Duncan Ferguson after failing to reach the Premiership.

Town target Mo Camara, available on a free after leaving Burnley, seems determined to join Celtic now that the Blues have been confirmed as a Championship club for 2005/06: "I haven't spoken to Martin O'Neill but I believe there has been contact between Celtic and my agent.

"Nothing will be done right away because Celtic have important league and cup games to concentrate on, but if Martin calls me I will be delighted. They are a massive club and if you are asked to join them, you take that chance."

The Blues are reported to be interested in Luton Town's 26-year-old Australian central defender Chris Coyne. The former U23 international started his career at West Ham, where he made one senior sub appearance.

While a Hammer, Coyne spent time on loan at Brentford and Southend before joining Dundee in 2000. In September 2001 he moved on to Luton for £50,000 and has become a popular figure with Hatters' fans, making 172 appearances, scoring 12 goals and often captaining the side.

With a year left on his contract with Mike Newell's League One champions, the Blues would have to pay a fee for the Brisbane-born 6ft 1in tall defender.

Town have also been linked with Tranmere forward Iain Hume. A Canada team-mate of Jason De Vos and Jaime Peters, Hume was the youngest-ever Tranmere first team player when he made his debut against Swindon as a sub aged 16 years and 167 days in April 2000.

Hume, 5ft 7in tall, was born in Edinburgh, his family emigrating to Canada when he was a child. The pacy and skilful striker, who has won 11 full international caps, was named Tranmere's Young Player of the Year 2002/03 and has made 169 appearances (56 of those as a sub) and has scored 36 goals during his time at Prenton Park.

Tranmere, who exited the League One play-offs at the semi-final stage, turned down a number of bids for Hume from Preston towards the end of 2004. The 21-year-old is contracted until 2007 and if the reports are correct would therefore cost the Blues a fee.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls