SUPPORTERS’ hopes of seeing Connor Wickham make a dream return to Portman Road appear to have fallen at the first hurdle after Paul Jewell admitted Ipswich would have to pay 75% of his wages during any loan spell.

Rumours surfaced at the weekend that Sunderland might look to loan Wickham out following a disappointing first season in the Premier League following his �8.1 million move from Suffolk.

This fuelled speculation that the 19-year-old might be set for a sensational return to Ipswich on a season-long loan.

But manager Paul Jewell has all but ruled out a bid for Wickham due to the expense it would incur Town.

He explained: “I do think we have first call on Connor (should he got out on loan).

“But we would have to pay three-quarters of his wages and we don’t have that type of money.”

The teenage striker started just five games during his debut campaign at Sunderland following his big-money move from Town last summer.

Manager Martin O’Neill on Monday revealed that he would ‘not be adverse’ to some of his players going out on loan.

However, a source close to the player has told www.greenun24.co.uk that there is ‘absolutely nothing’ in the Ipswich rumours and that the teenager is concentrating on fighting for a first team place at The Stadium of Light.