Defender talks continue

Stoke are talking to Ipswich over the future of Danny Higginbotham and the Tractor Boys are hoping to extend the loan deal.

The defender does not figure in the plans of Tony Pulis this season and the Potters boss was more than happy to send him to Portman Road in order to get games under his belt. The 33-year-old has impressed during his initial month on loan and Town boss Paul Jewell his hoping to extend the deal for at least another two months when it expires next week. "We are hopeful that we will be able to keep Danny," Jewell said. "He's come here to play football and he's doing that. He's enjoying it here and I've told him we want him to stay. "We're in conversation with Stoke and we will see how things work out but we are certainly hopeful that he will be remaining with us, ideally for the maximum three months." There is every chance the deal could become permanent but for now all parties are keen to hammer out an extended loan.