Town target Matthew Upson has been named in Stoke’s 25-man Premier League squad for the first half of the season.
As reported yesterday, the former England international is one of the central defenders Paul Jewell is hoping to bring to Portman Road on loan.
His inclusion in the 25 would appear to suggest that the Potters are not currently inclined to let the 33-year-old move out on a longer term basis, although a shorter loan spell with the inclusion of a recall clause may appeal from Stoke's perspective to keep the Eye-born centre-half match fit. Jewell, however, may choose to look elsewhere if that is the case as he is looking for players who he ultimately wants to sign on a permanently.
Upson's first team opportunities at the Britannia Stadium would seem likely to be limited with a number of central defenders ahead of him in the pecking order.
One player who has been left out of the Potters’ squad is previous Blues target Danny Higginbotham, who could also be in the thoughts of Jewell and other Championship managers.
Jewell confirmed that he tried to sign the 33-year-old former Sunderland man on loan in January prior to him joining Nottingham Forest on a similar spell.
Meanwhile, we understand QPR's Clint Hill is also amongst the players on Jewell's list of potential loanees, however, the former Tranmere, Stoke and Crystal Palace man probably won't be available with the West Londoners' central defensive options currently lacking depth. The 33-year-old has been named in the 25 at Loftus Road.
Elsewhere, former Rangers defender Kirk Broadfoot, who was linked with the Blues last week, has completed a switch to Blackpool.