IPSWICH Town chief executive Derek Bowden today revealed that he expects talks with Greek international striker Angelos Charisteas to intensify in the next few days.

IPSWICH Town chief executive Derek Bowden today revealed that he expects talks with Greek international striker Angelos Charisteas to intensify in the next few days.

Officially confirming the Blues interest in the Nuremburg front man for the first time, Bowden, who has taken over seniority at Portman Road from chairman David Sheepshanks, said: “Yes we have spoken to Nuremberg about Angelos Charisteas. We have not agreed a fee but we are close enough for the club to give us permission to speak to the player.

“We are in discussions with his representatives and I am sure there will some more dialogue over the next few days.”

Charisteas' agent Paul Koulsoliakos said last night: “I have not spoken to Angelos yet so it is impossible to say whether he would be interested in joining Ipswich or not.

“Until it comes upon my table there is nothing to say. Angelos returns from holiday on Monday and will start pre-season training with Nuremburg who then go to Austria a few days later.”

Charisteas, who was first spotted by Blues overseas scout Simon Hunt at the beginning of the decade, has indicated that he would be keen to play in England.

Relegated from the German top division last season, Nuremburg are keen to reduce their wage bill and want around £2.5m for the experienced 6ft 4in forward.

Colchester's Kevin Lisbie is still on Town's radar but reports that Crewe are starting an auction over their hot property Nicky Maynard have lessened Ipswich's interest in the 21-year-old.

Crewe are reported to be asking £2.5million, which is way above Town's estimations and a story that they are willing to stretch to £1.75m for Maynard are wide of the mark.

Bowden has also gone public on Town's interest in Preston goalkeeper Andy Lonergan saying: “We did make an enquiry to Preston about Andy Lonergan. But it went no further than that and there was certainly no bid.”

Richard Wright remains in Town manager Jim Magilton's mind to become number one goalkeeper, but things have stalled at West Ham's end because of doubts about Robert Green's long-term future at Upton Park.

The Town boss has been frustrated in his efforts to add to his squad since securing Gareth McAuley from Leicester City and Pim Balkestein from Heerenveen.

Town leave tomorrow for a week's training plus three games in Northern Ireland where Magilton will continue to pursue the players he feels will make his squad into a Coca-Coca Championship winning one.