Ipswich Town manager Paul Jewell has dismissed speculation that Connor Wickham is close to sealing a return to the club.

The young striker swapped Portman Road for Sunderland last summer in a deal worth around £8m.

Wickham failed to establish himself in a Sunderland shirt last season though, leading to reports that he could return to the Tractor Boys on a loan basis.

However, Jewell has admitted that the Suffolk-based outfit could not afford to pay their share of the 19-year-old's wages.

"I think we have got first call on Connor if he becomes a loan," said Jewell. "I also think we have got to pay three quarters of his wages and we haven't got that type of money."

Wickham scored nine goals from 41 outings for Ipswich.