IPSWICH Town skipper Jon Walters’ future with the Blues is in doubt.

He is understood to be interesting a couple of clubs – one being Queens Park Rangers – and could be on his way out of Portman Road.

Reports last week suggested that Rangers had tabled a �2.5million bid for the 26-year-old 2009/10 leading scorer.

And despite manager Roy Keane singing the former Chester player’s praises for most of last season every player has a price, and Ipswich may consider the bid too good to turn down.

Wonder kid Connor Wickham and experienced defender Damien Delaney are missing the start of the season through injury and key midfielder David Norris could join them as he struggles to rid himself of a back problem.

If Walters was to leave as well it would knock a hole in Keane’s plans even though he has hopes of bringing in more new players than Marton Fulop and Mark Kennedy who are on the point of signing the dotted line.

Walters, who is still living in rented accommodation after selling his Ipswich house last spring, missed the trip to Holland to play Eindhoven earlier this month because of a virus.

Money from any sale of Walters would give Keane a great deal more leeway as he looks to strengthen his squad further with a right back and striker.

Alex Bruce’s planned move to Sheffield United after both clubs had agreed �250,000 deal and the player had agreed terms has hit the buffers – for the time being at least.

This suggests that Keane might see the 26-year-old Republic of Ireland international as much-needed cover if he cannot bring in someone to compete with young Tommy Smith for Delaney’s place in the team.

Walters has also stressed his love of playing for Ipswich Town and he said in an interview a couple of weeks ago how he was supporting the manager in the summer moves that Keane was making.

But if Keane has his eyes on a Michael Chopra-type proven 20-goal a season man, the sale of Walters could provide the key to such a signing taking place.