SPL champions Rangers are reported to be ready to make a move for Town central defender Gareth McAuley, who we also understand is interesting a Premier League side. The 30-year-old, who joined the Blues from Leicester City in 2008 for £1.1 million, was recently named the Supporters Club Player of the Year.
The Northern Irish international started 2009/10 poorly and looked set to leave Portman Road during the autumn when he lost the captaincy, but after switching agent he became more settled at the club and formed a more solid partnership with Damien Delaney during the latter half of the season.
Nevertheless, manager Roy Keane has rarely seemed entirely convinced by his central defensive pairing and may be willing to allow McAuley, who has a year left on his Town contract, to depart for the right price, probably significantly more than the £500,000 claimed this morning.
We understand the club has also received interest from a Premier League side for the ex-Lincoln City man.
Meanwhile, Town are still to comment on Tottenham’s £5 million offer for Connor Wickham, while we understand Stoke have firmed up their long-standing interest in skipper Jon Walters by making a formal offer, although the fee is unlikely to be at the £4 million mark previously reported.
Elsewhere, Football League clubs have voted to accept the increase in parachute payments for relegated clubs, which Town manager Roy Keane recently said would make promotion harder for established Championship sides.