Blues boss Paul Lambert says Alan Judge's situation remains unchanged, reiterating that QPR’s offers for the 30-year-old have come nowhere near Town’s valuation of the Republic of Ireland international.
"It’s the same as it was the other day,” he said when asked about any developments on the potential move with Judge having trained with the rest of the squad at the Open Day. "Yesterday we were off, we’ve come in this morning and it’s the same.
"QPR tried to do something [reportedly bids of £250,000 and £450,000], but it’s nowhere near the level that I think that Ipswich are looking at.
"And Judgey trains well and there’s no problem that way, but he wants to have a chance to speak to them.
"But you can only have a chance if the two clubs agree something. There’s no way we can just turn around and say, ‘OK, on you go’.”
He confirmed that Judge hasn’t made a formal transfer request, despite indicating that he would be interested in the switch.
"No, he hasn’t done that, but I spoke to him a few weeks ago about it and I understand where he’s coming from. He has to understand where we come from as well,” Lambert added.
"But ultimately QPR have to, or any club. If they’re interested, they have to start the ball rolling.”
He says Town are prepared to put their foot down with Judge not moving on unless their valuation is met.
"I think that’s the way it should be,” he insisted. "I don’t know any other club that would say you can have him for buckshee. I don’t think that’s good.”
Have QPR been told a price that Town would take? "No, I don’t think so. I think the offer that’s been made is nowhere near what [owner] Marcus [Evans] is looking for so there’s not any real great news on that side of it. The ball is in QPRs court really.”
Does he have a valuation in mind? "My valuation? It doesn’t matter what my valuation is, it’s the owner’s valuation. We talk and he asks me what I think, but regarding valuations, it’s not my money, it’s the club’s money or Marcus’s money.
"Marcus knows what I think with the whole scenario and it’s up to QPR to come up with the money that Marcus thinks is acceptable.”
If Judge does go then would he want assurances that the money coming in will be available to replace him? "Even if Judgey doesn’t go I still say we need some players. Every manager’s going to say the same.
"We’ve brought in a loan and two frees, but that’s the way the club is at the minute. We’ve a lot of young players who are learning their job on the pitch. They have to learn and grow up really, really quickly and take responsibility amongst themselves as well. But they certainly need a little bit more strength.”
So Judge, who became hugely popular after signing in January and then agreeing a two-year deal in April, could stay with Town? "He’s Ipswich Town’s player. The football club pays his wages so he’s Ipswich Town’s player.”
If the former Brentford man does move on his would be big boots to fill but Lambert says that’s just part and parcel of football.
"But that’s the nature of football,” he reflected. "Football never really surprises me what comes out of the woodwork. That’s the game.”
Judge trained at Portman Road today as he continues his comeback from his broken wrist, but Lambert isn’t certain yet whether he would be involved at Burton on the opening day if he is still with the Blues.
"I don’t know, I really don’t,” the Blues boss continued. "Obviously he’s training with us, he’s not done anything games-wise. I’ll see how this coming weekend is and then I’ll decide from there.”