CONNOR Wickham should be sold to fund Paul Jewell’s promotion push next season.

But the club must hold out for at least �10 million and do everything they can to get the teenage star back on a season-long loan as part of the deal.

That is the stark verdict of Blues fans in the wake of widespread reports claiming Liverpool have bid �8million for the 18-year-old.

The club were today keeping tight-lipped on the Anfield giants’ interest but it is thought they wouldn’t even entertain such a move unless Liverpool seriously up their offer.

And we can reveal that the loss of the club’s brightest talent would be accepted by fans if Town hold out for a higher offer – in excess of �10million.

Supporters, polled by the Green ‘Un, would also expect any deal to include sell-on clauses and other financial bonuses, plus the chance to get Ipswich’s number nine back at Portman Road as part of a season-long loan.

Another option that could tempt Paul Jewell is a player-plus-cash deal although it is far from certain Town will lose their brightest star this summer.

The club has always conceded that every player has a realistic price, but it is unclear whether Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish would consider upping his offer for a striker who has made just 37 starts in the Championship.

A lot might depend on how Wickham gets on for England Under-21s in the European Championship which starts next week.

But he appears to be behind in the pecking order after being an unused sub in yesterday’s 2-0 win against Norway – the Three Lions’ last friendly before the tournament in Denmark begins.

- For a three-page special on the great Connor Wickham debate, with a selection of your letters and opinions, buy tonight’s Evening Star.