Wickham joins Forest Green and could face Town on Saturday

The 29-year-old has been a free agent since leaving MK Dons at the end of last season, but has now signed a deal until January with the League One newcomers.

That means he could potentially face Ipswich on Saturday, if he signs in time, with the Blues heading to the New Lawn for their first away game of the season.

Connor Wickham is said to be close to joining Forest Green (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

It remains to be seen whether Wickham will be involved.

Wickham said: "I had a chat with the manager (Ian Burchnall) last week and I had a good think about it and this is definitely an exciting project that I want to be part of.

"This team are coming into this season on the back of getting promoted and the club are going in the right direction.

"The style of play at Forest Green suits me and is a part to my game that some people may not be aware of. I want to get back to my best here."

Burchnall added: "Connor's name was brought to us a couple of weeks ago so we met with him and thought it seemed a really good fit.

"We know his top level is extremely high and we want to build him up so he can be a great player for us.

"He was hungry to join us and be a part of what we're working on here at Forest Green - he's a great fit."

Wickham, who burst on to the scene as a 16-year-old at Town before making a big money move to Sunderland, has seen his promising career ravaged by injuries over recent years.

Released by Crystal Palace last summer, he joined Championship club Preston on a short-term deal in September 2021 but departed earlier this month having made just one sub appearance.

He then joined the Dons, coming off the bench in his side’s 0-0 draw at Stadium MK last season.

Wickham scored one goal for the Dons, which came as he helped his side win away at former club Sunderland.

Rovers won League Two last season and were successful in their first-ever third-tier match as they won 2-1 at Bristol Rovers.