Shola has medical at Town

Derek Davis

BLUES Boss Jim Magilton is today hoping to persuade Premier League duo Shola Ameobi and Moritz Volz to join Ipswich Town's promotion battle.

We can reveal that the Newcastle United striker has been down to Portman Road for initial talks and a medical but is still undecided about joining Ipswich Town.

After the two clubs agreed a fee of around £2.5m Ipswich were given permission to talk to Ameobi, but he has been reluctant to join the Blues.

After meeting with Magilton and looking around the ground and training facilities he is coming round to the idea and the persuasive manager is hoping to convince the 26-year-old that he can make a quick return to the top flight with the Blues.

Magilton last night said: “Shola has been down for a medical and we are still in talks.”

Ameobi is in the last year of his contract at St James Park and has reluctantly accepted he is not part of Kevin Keegan's plans but has been hoping another Premier League club will come in for him.

West Brom were reportedly keen, but have not followed up their interest while Stoke City, who had him on loan for six matches last year, have already been rebuffed by the former England Under-21 star.

Staying in the top flight is also German defender Volz's preferred option but Magilton is again using his persuasive powers to lure the former Arsenal and Schalke 04 player to drop down into the Championship and go back up with Town.

Middlesbrough have shown an interest in the full-back but Town are so far Ipswich are the only club with permission to speak to him after a bid of around £350,000 was accepted by Fulham.

Talks between Town, the player and his representative are still in a delicate stage, but I understand Town are optimistic and the recent signing of Iván Campo and Ben Thatcher could be positive factors.

Convincing a player of Campo's pedigree, ex Real Madrid and six Premier League years with Bolton Wanderers, has shown Town's intent.

The arrival of Ameobi and Volz would pave the way for some high profile exits with Crystal Palace and Preston watching the situation closely with £750,000-rated Alan Lee their target.

A clutch of clubs in the north-west are tracking Alex Bruce who could be allowed to leave for around £300,000 after contract talks broke down.

Football League clubs will have an extra day to sort out transfer deals, or hold on to players, as the transfer window deadline has been extended by 24 hours and will now close at midnight on Monday September 1.