DARYL Murphy’s hopes of returning to Ipswich Town appear to be no closer after Paul Jewell admitted the former loanee might be priced out of a move.

The Town boss made no secret of his desire to sign Murphy permanently – following a successful loan spell last season – but Jewell continues to have doubts over whether it can happen.

He said: ”If Celtic want a fee, and with his wages, we simply can’t afford it.

“He did well for us in the back end of the season. We would be interested if the deal was right but I have got the feeling it is going to be expensive. It is a bit of a waiting game.”

After an ultimately unimpressive loan spell under Roy Keane, Murphy returned to Portman Road last season and impressed Jewell – and many fans – in his 32 starts and two more substitute appearances.

In fact, only four players appeared more in a Town shirt as Jewell liked the bulky presence on Murphy on the left-hand-side of his attack.

Murphy, who scored four times in his season-long loan, said he would be interested in returning with Celtic apparently willing to sanction a move.

But it currently seems unlikely that the 29-year-old Republic of Ireland international will be back for a third spell – unless a compromise can be found or another loan spell agreed.