TWTD understands Stoke City are currently the favourites to sign Blues target Bersant Celina from Dijon.

The proposed move is set to be a loan with a view to a permanent switch from the French club, who remain in French Ligue 2 and need Celina, who has another two years left on his contract, off their wage bill.

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.

However, no deal has yet been reached and as it stands we understand Championship Stoke is the 25-year-old’s most likely destination.

Earlier in the summer Preston were keen but their interest is understood to have cooled, while Turkish clubs including Antalyaspor have been in talks more recently.

Discussions are continuing with the Blues and Celina returning to Portman Road for a third stint - most likely on the loan with a view to a permanent switch terms of the Stoke deal - still remains possible.

The Kosovo international spent last season on loan at Town having previously been with the Blues during 2017/18.

Town are looking for another senior number 10 in addition to Sone Aluko and Conor Chaplin and if Celina’s move to Stoke does go through will have to move on to an alternative target.

Meanwhile, we understand Joe Pigott's loan move to Portsmouth could be confirmed as soon as today.

TWTD revealed earlier in the week that the 28-year-old's switch to Pompey was close.

Photo: Matchday Images

Stato added 16:18 - Jul 13 Branagan at Oxford into the last year of his contract but maybe doesn't fit the formation McKenna plays.
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blues1 added 16:20 - Jul 13 Da gremloid. no. Thats not negativity. That's called being fed up of so called fans constantly being negative, regardless of what the story on here is about or whats happening at the club. . There's a massive difference. And Blueboy1981 is the epitome of that. Maybe if he ever said anything positive my view of him would be different. But I've ot seen 1 single positive comment from him, ever. Yes, I disagree with certain people on here sometimes, as does everybody, but ill also agree with other things they say. It's impossible to agree with some1 who never has a good word to say about the club ever.

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Stato added 16:21 - Jul 13 Paddy Lane at Fleetwood would be on my shopping list but difficult to see him fitting into McKenna formation.
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grumpyoldman added 16:26 - Jul 13 I see our pre-season is going well, contributors arguing over each other's opinions (remember that is what they are, not facts). People saying they heard such & such as though it was a fact when actually they are repeating rumours. Please keep it up as if things don't go as well as most supporters hope & pray it will, you lot can keep me entertained for another season. COYB

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ThaiBlue added 16:38 - Jul 13 Why would he come here on another loan,stoke are a division higher and would be on bigger wages no brainer really.
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blues1 added 16:39 - Jul 13 Da gremloid. i am fine with people having different opinions, and I'll debate those with them. Thats what life is about, differing opinions. But they'll also have opinions on some things that I agree with. Linkboy13 is one I've both agreed and disagreed with several times, bossman too, and Bazza8564. But in the case of Blueboy1981, he isn't giving an opinion, he's simply making a negative comment every single time he comments on here. And that peeves me off, as hes slagging my club off constantly. Maybe i shouldn't rise to his comments and just ignore him. Maybe that's what I'll do from now on.

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jayceee added 16:49 - Jul 13 Would be great if Town could match whatever Stoke are offering in terms of transfer and signing fee as well as wages - just seems doubtful. And you can't blame a player for moving to a club in a higher league for a higher wage. I'm sure Celina would be hoping Town can match the offer - I'm sure he'd rather stay, but the reality is that we'll probably lose him. Shame - I do like him, and I know he is anonymous at times, but always has the potential to be a game changer.

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Jugsy added 16:54 - Jul 13 Not the player we need to get out of League One. Could often drift in and out of games. Don't get me wrong, he's a class act, but the style of football in the league didn't suit him. I think I'd rather see Bonne back with us.
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ArnieM added 17:08 - Jul 13 Ultimately it's down to that old chestnut, money. So dare I say it, move on . I'm not so sure he'll he missed “ that much” .
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mikemuhrenthijssen added 17:11 - Jul 13 Didn't shine enough last year and we need strength and reliability to get us out of league 1. Presumably huge wages which should be spent elsewhere. Great goal last year …. Thanks … good luck…, goodbye.
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Linkboy13 added 17:20 - Jul 13 I think if Celina was going to play for us he would have signed by now. Don't think we can afford to buy him permanently due to his wages. I think McKenna is taking a more physical approach after taking a good look at the squad last season.
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ringwoodblue added 17:41 - Jul 13 The signings we've made since the Gamechanger and Ashton era began have mostly been under the radar with little publicity beforehand. Whenever there is another team or teams publicly interested, we generally don't sign the player particularly if those other teams are in the Championship. A good example of which was Matt Crooks. Therefore I don't think we will be bringing Celina back or getting Hirst or Leif so we move on and look at some others

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TexacoCup added 18:23 - Jul 13 Hirst is not in the Leicester 31 man squad announced today - game on?
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ArnieM added 18:28 - Jul 13 Would rather have Hirst than re sign Celina tbh
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Blueballs83 added 18:59 - Jul 13 There are some right knobs on here! Regarding Celina, it would be a shame if we can't get him as he is probably on his day the most talented in this league and was a game changer in several of games last season. Not always consistent, but I'd start him most weeks. However, we were lucky to get him, and if he ends up at Stoke, it will probably be his level. We certainly do need another number ten though and I expect we have alternative lined up. Let's hope so anyway

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jas0999 added 19:08 - Jul 13 Great player, who is also a bit hit and miss, especially at this level and particularly against those more physical teams.
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dirtydingusmagee added 19:23 - Jul 13 cant honestly say i would be bothered if he went somewhere else, yes he has talent but he he dosnt always ''turn up'', and on those occasions he is very average, imo nothing to rave about .
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ShropshireBluenago09 added 20:17 - Jul 13 We are top heavy in that department and wages would be an issue. Not because we can't afford him more the salary cap. Let him go. He typically has flashes of brilliance but few and far between.
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chepstowblue added 21:18 - Jul 13 Blueboy1981 is spot on with a lot of what he says. We are always harping on about having players who want to be at the club. Not only does Celina, but he's far too good for our current level. It would be criminal if we're not busting a gut to get him signed. Inconsistent maybe, but one of the very few players who can elevate us from possible but unlikely play off contenders to possible automatic challengers. We currently have a squad that looks no better than last seasons underachievers and it's delusional to think we'll walk it. Celina signing would get out of the.... 'we'll finish eighth' mindset !

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OliveR16 added 21:44 - Jul 13 I'm surprised we have been trying hard to get him back. If he was the season-changing answer then we'd not have finished 11th. I think that he's the kind of player we could use in the Championship, but next year is about getting there and he's an expensive 'magic moments' luxury for that endeavour.
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pg888 added 21:47 - Jul 13 Not bothered if we sign him or not hardly a game changer last year we can do better
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Bazza8564 added 22:00 - Jul 13 some great comments on here, all valid i think in terms of “what have we added yet….” Well let's see, Ladapo scores goals and replaces Pigott who couldn't, JJ has more pace and skill than Norwood could muster wriggling away from a DD conviction, Leigh looks light years ahead of Coulson and Thompson and Ball for Carroll, seriously anybody want him back? Business isn't done yet, moaners are at it already and we've still got so long til first game and 7 weeks of the window. As i said last week, if you two above want to bitch at each other hit the msg tag andd do it between you. We have a stronger squad and 7 weeks to make it better, we did great against WH last night, a full 2 divisions above us. Ashton has had a year, KM 8 months, 3 of which were off, lighten up ffs and enjoy the prospects ahead, surely you can't tell me the season is f**led on July 13th?

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brassy added 23:25 - Jul 13 i prefer the players we have already brought in better work ethics coybs
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churchmans added 00:05 - Jul 14 Blueboy81 does has a valid point and I understand his concern! However the signings we made already have made us stronger and I think there is another striker and attacking midfielder coming in! Celine is good but he ain't that champagne passer of the ball every think he is and certainly not worth the 20k a week that is being banded about! I will be happy either way about celina but also look forward to the supporters who think he is leauge 1's ronaldo when he don't sign they can get up off there knees and wipe there mouths! Embarrassing! These supporters never seen a real qaulity midfielder

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peewee added 05:57 - Jul 14 I do like him but he does come across as a luxury. He is hit or miss, still think that someone that turns up every game for that price be nice.
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