IPSWICH Town are in pole position to sign keeper Kelvin Davis from Wimbledon despite interest from a number of other clubs.Birmingham City and Everton are among those reportedly keen on the former Luton stopper.

IPSWICH Town are in pole position to sign keeper Kelvin Davis from Wimbledon despite interest from a number of other clubs, writes Derek Davis.

Birmingham City and Everton are among those reportedly keen on the former Luton stopper.

Town had hoped to have Davis tied up today but that is unlikely to happen with more talks between Royle, Dons boss Stuart Murdoch, the club's administrators and the players' representative expected this weekend.

Royle is hoping today's friendly against Colchester United will go some way to improving relations between the two clubs after the falling out over the George Burley switch in 1995.

He said: “It promises to be a good game. Colchester are our nearest local rivals so they will be fired up.

“The clubs have two new managers who have no problem with each other so hopefully we can help build bridges.”

With no new keeper likely to sign today, Lewis Price will keep his starting place at Layer Road this afternoon.

Ipswich are likely to stick with the 4-3-3 system which has served them so well over the past four friendlies which have yielded 15 goals and just four against.

But with Richard Naylor struggling with some swelling around a knee, Georges Santos will probably drop into the back four alongside Drissa Diallo, with Fabian Wilnis and Chris Makin as full-backs.

The midfield will depend on how skipper Jim Magilton feels today and if he gets the all-clear after a tight hamstring, the Irishman will start, if only for a short while.

Jermaine Wright returns after a groin problem and will get some part of the match, while Tommy Miller is expected to play. Nabil Abidallah has dropped out of the squad to make way for Wright.

Gerard Nash misses out after having five stitches in a nasty gash above his left eye but Aidan Collins is on the bench.

The U's will have to watch out for Town's speedy attacking options as Darren Bent and Marcus Bent will play either side of Pablo Counago.

John McGreal and Thomas Gaardsoe continue to miss out, although the Dane is making terrific progress after ankle ligament damage.