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

Europablue added 10:05 - Jul 14 jayceee In his case, yes I would blame him for taking more from a team playing in a higher league just because he has made such a big deal about his love of Ipswich. It's not like he'd be struggling for money if he signed for us. Otherwise he was just blowing hot air up our backsides. I agree with KM if he doesn't bring back Celina or Bonne, but those two game me a lot of joy last year along with the local lads playing in the team. Then you have players like Morsy and Burns who can make themselves club legends. I welcome all talented players who join us, but I want them to be indoctrinated in the club way and become Ipswich men like Holland and Wark.

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Razor added 11:21 - Jul 14 Hey I hope we move on quickly----am getting a little worried about our lack of activity and we have not spent a penny yet---I sincerely hope and pray we have some STRIKERS lined up!!
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PackwoodBlue added 11:24 - Jul 14 Would love him to sign. I appreciate he's inconsistent, but many skilful, nautrally gifted players are, at every level of the game. He's probably the most naturally gifted in the whole squad but again, I do understand and accept if the club can't afford (or want) to spend that amount of money on somebody that won't be one of the first names on the team sheet week in week out. And to be fair to him, the opportunity to play at Championship level on the same wages he's currently on with a permanent or loan move, it must be a difficult decision for the lad.

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politemudslinger added 11:58 - Jul 14 Celina is not the messiah! He's a very naughty boy! Happy if it happens, but other options out there.
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Ipswichbusiness added 11:59 - Jul 14 Europablue; none of us know what money Celina is on. However, if he is offered significantly more for playing for Stoke in a higher division, then I wouldn't blame him for signing for them. He may love playing for us, but it is a short career and money and ambition are powerful. Yes, I know that Stoke is (mostly) a bit of a dump, but the Staffordshire Moorlands and the south-west Peak District are in reasonable commuting range.

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