Issues relating to Bersant Celina's UK work permit scuppered the Kosovo international's proposed loan move to Stoke City, TWTD understands, however, a switch to the Blues wouldn’t be similarly affected.
As reported earlier, Celina’s switch to the Potters, a loan with a view to a permanent deal, has broken down having come close to completion with the 25-year-old’s work permit situation having caused the collapse.
If Celina were to join the Championship club - or any other British side - he would be required to apply for a new work permit, however, we understand the forward wouldn’t qualify.
The situation with a return to Portman Road would be different as it would be a continuation of the existing work permit which allowed him to play for the Blues last season on loan from parent club Dijon.
Having played at League One level last season, an unbanded league when it comes to the points required for qualification, and with Kosovo ranked outside FIFA's top 50 national teams, Celina wouldn't get enough points for a new UK work permit this summer.
While that puts other UK clubs out of the running, that doesn’t mean Celina couldn’t join sides elsewhere in the world.
When he applied a year ago, having played in France's Ligue 1, a band one division, his work permit was a formality.
Town have been in talks with Celina regarding his return to Portman Road for a third spell for much of the summer with the player understood to be keen on the switch but with no agreement yet reached.
Turkish clubs, including Antalyaspor and Kasımpaşa, have also been in talks. Earlier in the summer Preston were keen but their interest is understood to have cooled and would now be impacted by the work permit issue.
Dijon remain in French Ligue 2 and need Celina, who has another two years left on his contract, off their wage bill for the season ahead with the one-time Swansea man not having joined them for the start of pre-season.
Celina spent last season on loan at Town having previously been with the Blues during 2017/18 while a Manchester City player and is very much a fans' favourite at Portman Road.