Ipswich Town legend Terry Butcher fears the Blues may have been priced out of a move for highly-rated Barnsley forward, Marley Watkins.

Watkins, who was signed by Butcher for Inverness Caledonian Thistle in 2013, announced he was leaving Oakwell yesterday, having turned down a new deal with the Reds.

A versatile operator, Watkins is admired by Blues boss Mick McCarthy and Town, who are prepared to offload some first-team players this summer, are thought to have had two, £1m-plus bids for the Londoner turned down in the last two transfer windows.

McCarthy said in March that he may look to go back in for the 26-year-old, who scored 10 goals in his debut Championship campaign this season – including in both games against Ipswich – but Butcher believes, with a number of clubs interested, the Blues boss may miss out.

“I think he will now go to a club that will be able to offer him a lot more than what Ipswich can pay him,” said Butcher.

“I would love to see him here and had Town got him (Watkins) here in January, he would certainly have helped get us higher up the league table.

“Unfortunately, I think he will be moving on to bigger and better things now as there are a number of quality clubs looking at him. Celtic have been linked with him in Scotland and then there is interest from some high-end Championship clubs and even the Premier League.”

Butcher worked with Watkins in Scotland for a short period of time, having signed him from Hereford United, and is delighted at the progress the forward has made.

“He was an unknown when I signed him and he has progressed well and went on to win the Scottish Cup with Inverness,” Butcher added.

“He is a player that Town need. He can operate on either wing or play down the middle.

“He is quick, has a lovely touch, is immensely strong and is good in the air.

“He is a nice lad too, I never had a problem with him – he was a pleasure to work with.”

Watkins gave Barnsley the lead in the 1-1 draw with Ipswich at Oakwell in March, having come off the bench to score on the opening day at Portman Road, a game Town won 4-2.

“He has got unbelievable potential and is hungry to succeed,” Butcher enthused.