Former loanee David Unsworth's proposed move to Town appears to have hit a snag with Portsmouth saying they are unwilling to help pay the defender's wages during a season-long loan. Boss Joe Royle confirmed yesterday that the Blues were targeting the 31-year-old.

Unsworth has a year remaining of his Pompey contract on wages well beyond Town. In order for the move to take place, the Premiership club would either have to settle his contract and allow the one-time England international to join Town on a free transfer or pay a significant amount of his wages during a year-long loan.

However, Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie says he is not keen on the loan option: "Ipswich have shown an interest, but what they are suggesting does not cover his wages, so that doesn't interest us."

Unsworth spent three months on loan with Town at the end of last season, scoring one goal in 16 games.

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