Town are making no comment regarding widespread stories linking striker Jon Walters with a move to newly-promoted Stoke City. The club have adopted a policy of making no comment on any transfer speculation this summer and are making no exception regarding the persistent Walters rumours.

The 24-year-old frontman is claimed to be on the verge of a move to the Potters with a number of media sources reporting that a fee of somewhere between £1.5 million and £2 million has been agreed between the clubs. One story even suggests Walters will be a Stoke player by Thursday in time for the start of pre-season training at the Britannia Stadium.

Tony Pulis's side have been linked with the Blues' Player of the Year on several occasions since the end of the season, but it has always been understood that Walters was happy at Town and is not interested in a move. A move nearer to his family in the North-West is believed to be the main factor behind the proposed switch, although the Town frontman only signed a new contract in January designed to keep him at Portman Road until 2011.

If there is any truth in the story, it is likely other Premier League sides will be alerted to Walters's availability with Wigan Athletic boss Steve Bruce having been keen to sign the Republic of Ireland B international in January, while West Brom were linked over the weekend.

Bruce knows Walters well from the Birkenhead-born striker's time as youngster alongside his son Alex at Blackburn Rovers. The Wigan boss also watched Town on a regular basis last season.

The Blues bought Walters from Chester City for £100,000 plus appearance top-ups in January 2007 after he impressed in the FA Cup ties between the two clubs and the six-foot tall frontman is widely regarded as Jim Magilton's most successful signing so far.

Chester are due 20% of the Blues' profits on the 24-year-old and managing director Bob Gray has even been questioned by the Cheshire press regarding the possible injection of cash that his club would receive from the move to Stoke: "It would be great to see another of our former players plying their trade in the Premiership.

"And a financial windfall as a result of a seven-figure transfer deal would be most welcome."

Walters has made 52 starts and six sub appearances for the Blues, scoring 17 goals.

Elsewhere, former Blue Dean McDonald has left Inverness Caledonian Thistle by mutual consent and is expected to join Blue Square Premier side Rushden and Diamonds.

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