STRIKER Alan Lee faces a fitness race to be fit to play in Ipswich Town's opening game of the season.The 27-year-old is to undergo surgery on a groin injury that first affected him towards the end of last season.

STRIKER Alan Lee faces a fitness race to be fit to play in Ipswich Town's opening game of the season.

The 27-year-old is to undergo surgery on a groin injury that first affected him towards the end of last season.

After having a scan, former Republic of Ireland international Lee has been advised by a specialist to have surgery.

The operation will be a relative minor one, but it could be six weeks before he is back in action. And with the opening game on August 5 it is likely to be touch and go whether Lee makes it in time.

Meanwhile Jimmy Juan could be on his way from leading French club Monaco.

But a fee has been put on the head of the midfielder, who made 35 Ipswich appearances and scored five goals during a successful loan period at Portman Road.

Juan is reported to be in discussions with three French clubs regarding a permanent move with Lorient favourites. The other two clubs are believed to be Valenciennes and Troyes.

The 23-year-old, who left Ipswich at the end of last season, has a year left of his Monaco contract but has been made available for transfer.

Former Ipswich manager Joe Royle has been linked with the Plymouth job after Tony Pulis returned to Stoke City.

But Royle, who is currently spending time at his villa in Majorca, is likely to sit out the summer. The Preston job is one that could, however, interest the Ormskirk-based ex-striker.