Brighton and Hove Albion have not yet made a decision on whether to recall keeper Christian Walton from his loan at Town with the Blues keen on signing the 26-year-old on a permanent basis.

Walton is on a season-long loan with Town but with the Seagulls weighing-up bringing him back to the Amex Stadium during the January window in order to cash in on him with the Wadebridge-born keeper potentially able to move on a free transfer in the summer.

We understand talks between the parties involved are ongoing with the Blues keen to keep Walton for the rest of the campaign and beyond with a permanent move to Portman Road under discussion, the keeper having been one of Town's best performers since making his move in August.

When asked about his position following the FA Cup replay defeat to Barrow, Walton was unable to comment but said he was happy at Portman Road.

“I think that sort of thing is best left to the hierarchy within the clubs,” he said. “I’ve nothing to say on that at the minute because I don’t really know my situation. All I do know is that I’m playing for Ipswich Town and I’m really enjoying my football here.

“I think my form’s been good but I don’t think that’s for me to talk about at this moment, after a 2-0 defeat at Barrow.

“As long as I can keep doing as much as I can for the team within games then hopefully it spirals and has a knock-on effect throughout the team.

“I will always want to be doing better and will continue to work hard and apply myself. This is a great football club to be playing for and I love playing for the club.

“This is a massive football club and any player within the divisions would want to come and play for Ipswich.

“You’ve seen the players that we’ve recruited in the summer from higher divisions and you can see from the support that we get how good the club is. I’m really enjoying my time here.”

Another thing which could count in Town’s favour is that Walton has a strong relationship with new goalkeeper-coach Rene Gilmartin, the pair having been at Plymouth together early in his career.

Despite speculation to the contrary, it’s understood Town have received no contact from Swansea City regarding midfielder Scott Fraser, who previously played for their manager Russell Martin with the MK Dons.

Similarly, leaders Rotherham have made no approach regarding striker Kayden Jackson despite suggestions that they are eyeing the 27-year-old, who may be among those who could move on during the window having made only two sub appearances in the league so far during 2021/22.

We understand there is also nothing in claims that Town are among the English clubs showing interest in Linfield full-back Trai Hume.

The 19-year-old is said to be close to joining Sunderland with the Blues, Burnley and Lincoln also claimed to be keen.

Photo: Matchday Images

Monkey_Blue added 17:41 - Jan 4 Ha had some good games but I don't want us to be paying championship transfer fees and wages for someone who is sort of ok. People are forgetting he's also made some howlers. I reckon we could replace him fairly easily with a quality loan keeper. January sees a lot of loan moves for players who've not been given first team chances at higher levels. Having said that I'd not be upset if Walton stays but you can see Brighton's point of view. Might as well sell him and not be paying any percentage of his wages and get a fee.

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gosblue added 18:30 - Jan 4 Walton or Hladky would leave a big hole that would need filling. I think if Walton stays here, permanently or otherwise, by making a name for himself he could get a decent deal in the summer or a good move to a championship club. If he plays 3rd string at BHA or 2nd string elsewhere in the championship he could disappear forever. The future's bright at PR.
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churchmans added 18:49 - Jan 4 Walton is the best keeper i have seen play for ipswich since asmir begovic! And he was on loan to but ended up signing for stoke when they where under mark hughes in the premiership
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istanblue added 19:29 - Jan 4 News: No News
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Facefacts added 20:27 - Jan 4 I think he will go back to Brighton. They must think we are going to splash out a transfer fee and wages close to what he's currently on. Annoying but it's because we're at the level we are, one of the consequences of that. We can't afford his wages with the League 1 cap, no one will want our fringe players. Agree with others who've said he's a top keeper and our very slim hopes of going on a great run to the playoffs will disappear when he goes. So he didn't have Covid but Brighton have pulled the plug on him playing any more until we give him a contract. Always thought that was the case. Put him back in the team now we should not have to do what Brighton say unless they recall him properly and restart paying his full wages again.

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blues1 added 20:51 - Jan 4 Face facts. Ur name a total contradiction to what uve just posted. Yes, he did have covid. Why make up rubbish stories? Ridiculous. And as he not been called back yet, my bet I'd he'll be playing on Saturday.
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Saxonblue74 added 21:24 - Jan 4 Would love to see Walton sign, but if not we need to start the search for a new #1 as Hladky is not the answer. Marginally better than usual against Wycombe but still looked shaky whilst not ever really being tested and no presence whatsoever. We cannot and will not move forward with Hladky or Holy.
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algarvefan added 21:42 - Jan 4 Just a word for Hladky, he had an awesome season before he came to us and has been in and out of the side with, lets face it, at times a P Poor defence in front of him. I don't like to see the lad rubbished and think he would be a good choice IF we don't get Walton, he is certainly a very able No.2, which if your main keeper gets injured is an important job.
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Saxonblue74 added 22:23 - Jan 4 Algarve, had you heard anything about Hladky before he joined us? I know he got the golden glove but let's be fair, lge2?
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bobble added 05:19 - Jan 5 good to see jackson gone, what has he done while here ?
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therein61 added 06:26 - Jan 5 As a player i would stay here and play rather than be back at Brighton or bench warming else where but unless we do a deal it's out of his hands,
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dirtydingusmagee added 08:57 - Jan 5 need to get him signed up, best keeper since Bart.
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