Town and Southampton have been linked with a summer move for Scunthorpe striker Martin Paterson. The Northern Irish international looks set to quit the Iron if, as expected, they are relegated from the Championship.

Paterson, who is contracted to Scunthorpe until 2009, scored twice against the Blues during Town's 3-2 victory over the Iron at Portman Road earlier in the season.

Capped once by Northern Ireland, Paterson, 20, joined Scunthorpe from Stoke City last summer, having previously had a spell on loan at Grimsby Town. This season the 5ft 10in tall frontman has scored 14 goals in 34 starts and five sub appearances.

In January, Norwich City were reported to have had an £850,000 bid for the Stoke-born striker turned down.

Meanwhile, Town's chances of landing fellow Northern Irish striker David Healy on loan from Fulham are likely to have been boosted by news that Jari Litmanen is back in full training. Cottagers boss Ray Hodgson may be more willing to allow Healy to join the Blues now that the Finnish international is close to a return to action.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls