Daryl Murphy has been omitted from Ipswich Town’s matchday squad for today’s game with Preston, the striker seemingly on his way to Newcastle United for a significant seven-figure fee.

The 33-year-old who has scored 67 in 225 appearances for the Blues is thought to be on the verge of sealing a move back to the North East, having also played for Sunderland.

Murphy is replaced by Brett Pitman in one of two changes from the 1-1 draw at home to Norwich, Tommy Smith replacing summer signing Adam Webster.

Interestingly, Town could be close to sealing a move for Crystal Palace winger Sulley Kai-Kai, who has been spotted at Portman Road today.

As for the visitors, there is no place in the 18 for former Town loanee Ben Pringle.

TOWN: Bialkowski, Chambers, Knudsen, Berra, Smith, Skuse, Bru, Douglas, Ward, Sears, Pitman. Subs: Gerken, Bishop, Varney, Digby, Webster, Dozzell, Kenlock

PRESTON: Lindegaard, Cunningham, Clarke, Wright, Humphrey, Spurr, Johnson, Gallagher, Welsh, Robinson, Beckford. Subs: Maxwell, Browne, Makienok, Doyle, Grimshaw, Huntington, Hugill