Defender Danny Higginbotham’s loan from Stoke is set to be extended until January with a view to a permanent deal being arranged when the transfer window reopens in January. Higginbotham’s one-month spell is up after tonight’s game against his former club Derby County at Portman Road.
Jewell says he has talked to both Higginbotham and Potters boss Tony Pulis: "I’ve spoken with Tony, he was one of the managers that called me on Sunday.
"I spoke with Danny last week and he’s keen that if we can get something sorted permanently to get it sorted out.”
Although it looks as if the loan will be extended for the full 93 days, Jewell says that the terms of the proposed permanent switch won’t be set until January: "At the moment, contracts, everything like that is on the back burner, we need some results and some points.”
The 33-year-old, who is out of contract at Stoke at the end of the season, has been with the Blues for a month and has enjoyed his time at Portman Road, even if it is yet to yield a victory.
He told the club site: "I’ve enjoyed my month here and I don’t want to walk out on something that I believe can and will change.
"I want to help the club get out of this position and whether I’ve been here four or 14 games, I feel partly responsible for the position we are in and I want to help us get out of it.
"So, if something could be done to keep me here, then it’s something I would certainly be open to.”
Higginbotham says he was happy during his three years at Pride Park, having signed from Manchester United for £2 million in July 2000: "I had a great time at Derby and it’s a lovely club.
"It’s similar in many ways to Ipswich. Both clubs have a good fanbase, great facilities and, of course, a great history. Both clubs, on paper, should be higher than they are.
"I know the club well and I also know the manager Nigel Clough, who I rate really highly as he wants to plays football in the right way. It will be a tough game but I think they all are in the Championship.”