Jon Walters will be back with the Blues on Monday, according to Town. The striker or midfielder is currently back in the North-West on compassionate leave with his wife, who is due to give birth to their second child in the next couple of days.

The Blues continue to deny that a bid has been received for the former Chester man, but a statement from a club spokesman doesn't appear to entirely rule out developments regarding Walters once he returns: "Whatever happens we understand that the baby will be born before the weekend.

"Jon will definitely be back at Portman Road on Monday, and we will see what happens after that.”

Stoke City have been linked with the 24-year-old, whose wife in particular is believed to be keen to move back to their native North-West, despite the Republic of Ireland B international signing a new contract in January tying him to the Blues until 2011.

Walters is rumoured to have made a transfer request, although there has been no confirmation of this, while reports of Stoke's interest in the frontman have become less frequent in recent weeks.

Wigan are another Premier League side believed to have watched Walters on a regular basis with claims that they were keen to sign the former Bolton man in January. Latics boss Steve Bruce knows Walters well as he and Alex Bruce played together at Blackburn's academy.

Town are likely to do everything they can in order to keep last season's Player of the Year at Portman Road, but would be looking for a fee of around £3 million if the Birkenhead-born striker were to leave.

Walters joined the Blues for £100,000 plus appearance top-ups from Chester in January 2007. The League Two side would be due 20% of Town's profit if Walters does move on.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls