Lee Bowyer is at an advanced stage of contract negotiations with Ipswich Town.

The controversial 34-year-old midfielder – who has a wealth of Premier League experience – has held extremely positive talks with Blues boss Paul Jewell, the Evening Star and EADT can exclusively reveal.

A free agent, having been released by Birmingham City following their relegation from the top-flight, numerous clubs have shown interest in the ex-Leeds, West Ham and Newcastle man including Premier League new boys Queens Park Rangers as well as Championship duo Nottingham Forest and Leeds.

However, Ipswich – whose coffers have been significantly boosted by the �8.1m sale of teen star Connor Wickham – have stolen a march in negotiations.

Bowyer is said to be excited by Jewell’s plans to build a promotion-winning squad at Portman Road and, after returning from holiday today, could put pen-to-paper this week.

– More to follow on this website.