Town are understood to be in talks with out-of-contract Stoke striker Ricardo Fuller, who looks likely to leave the Britannia Stadium this summer. The one-time Blues loanee was previously linked with a return to Portman Road in April when Wigan and Cardiff were also said to be interested in the 32-year-old.

Fuller spent time on loan with Town towards the end of the 2005/06 season, scoring two goals in three games as well as picking up a red card which brought his spell to an early end.

Then-boss Joe Royle was keen to sign the Jamaican international from Southampton on a permanent basis that summer but the £500,000 fee was beyond the club at the time and Fuller joined Stoke, where he has enjoyed a highly-success six years, helping them into the Premier League in 2007/08.

However, the ex-Preston, Portsmouth and Crystal Palace man, who is currently away with Jamaica, had limited opportunities during 2011/12 and appears set to move on having made 137 starts and 71 sub appearances for the Potters and scoring 50 goals.

Town boss Paul Jewell is in the main targeting younger players this summer but may also look to augment his squad with one or two more experienced performers.

Photo: Action Images

Photo: Action Images

Jesney_Havoc added 10:56 - May 24 FAIL. Don't we learn ? no more 'topping up my pension' players. Last time here was here he looked disinterested.
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fifeblue added 11:19 - May 24 If we sign him we'll need to sign someone who can take long throw-ins a la Stoke's Rory Delap. On that note, where is Eddie Spearritt these days? I bet he could still do a job for us.
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algarvefan added 11:25 - May 24 OMG No Please don't PJ........here we go again!!!
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Legend added 11:47 - May 24 Good player, but i honestly think if we keep hold of Scotland he will bag us loads of goals next season. I was very impressed with Scotland last season, he looked sharp and hungry and he also looked in good shape. A good team player too. I would have taken Fuller 3 years ago but not now im afraid. Buy a youg hungry striker with a point to prove with years ahead of him, not an old one who is past his best.

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Garv added 11:48 - May 24 Think of the experience/older players we have let go - Bowyer, Ingimarsson, Wright, Healy, Sonko, Ellington on his way...we're not a particularly 'old' squad anymore. Edwards, Bullard, Delaney and Scotland all over 30 is fine by me.
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Marcus added 11:52 - May 24 Agree with Garv. We're actually lacking a bit of experience now. A good squad is balanced. Keane had too many young players while PJ brought in too many veterans last season. The ideal situation is somewhere in the middle.
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PauloJulio added 12:09 - May 24 Probably end up at Leeds with all the other players who wont sign for ITFC!
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DanLyles added 12:10 - May 24 Any Reading fan will tell you how Jason Roberts' experience and ability to hold the ball up had a huge impact on their attacking prowess. Nothing is guaranteed in football but Fuller was on the fringes (like Roberts) but in a much better side (Stoke vs Blackburn, no competition), so I would be very surprised if he didn't have a positive impact akin to Roberts. The guy is 6'3 so would also add another dimension to our attack. I think he would perfect foil for Chopra or Scotland. I would like to see Alan Judge (23) come in to add pace and energy on the wings, then if we get Ward (22) and Keogh (25), maybe St Ledger (27) then I would say PJ has kept his word regarding building for the future. Especially when you consider that Cresswell (22), Smith (22), Hyam (21), JET (22), Martin (25) are already in or around the first team. Not forgetting Byron Lawrence (17). We could end up with a side where 7 or 8 of our first team are 25 or under. Then Drury and Chopra are only 28, Stevenson 27. One of the youngest squads in the league could do with an experienced player or two in each department (Fuller, Scotland up top), Bullard in midfield etc.

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Mark added 12:34 - May 24 I was really disappointed not to sign Fuller last time, and he could still be a good signing despite his age (he turns 33 in October). Fuller has done well in the Premier League, which Scotland could not do. > on the books we already have /// Scotland, 33, Bullard, 34, Edwards 33, Delaney, 31, Ellington,31 Just to correct that, Bullard is 33, Delaney is 30 and Ellington is 30. Ellington is about to be paid off and Scotland hasn't signed up yet, so we might not actually have that many experienced players next season.

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CornardBlue added 12:46 - May 24 What we have lacked up front for years is a big centre forward who can score goals with his head and put himself about. Jason Scotland has the body strength to hold up the ball but does not win much in the air, and Chops is a goal poacher. We need all three typres of player. I am not saying Fuller is the answer but we do need his type of player, i am sure Paul Jewell is talking to lots of players and agents at the present time, another big striker available is John Carew at West Ham PJ could be talking to him.

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EatonBlue added 13:09 - May 24 Good. I will never forget a post-match interview he did on Radio Suffolk whilst he was on loan here - decribing how Danny Haynes had 'run his b@ll@cks off' !
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Armine6 added 13:14 - May 24 I appricate Ricardo Fuller could be of some use...however i would be happier to see the develpoment of a young hungery, lower leauge, here's your chance go and get it player (or Ronan Murry). Ricardo has a habit of ducking in and out of games depending on the result going in a positive direction. ITFC will have to fght for every game next year and he does not fit the vison IMHO. That said... as a spectator (STH) i will cheer whomever ends up lucky enough playing at PR.

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alliedaz added 13:32 - May 24 we were moaning last season coz of the ages of players so why lok at another 30plus player
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braintree_blue10 added 14:10 - May 24 Just because you have passed 30 doesn't make you a bad player, look at Drogba, don't think he will have difficulty in finding another club !!!!!
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Foreverdon_Blue added 14:16 - May 24 A very decent player. Not sure we need him if Scotland signs, although would be a good replacement if Scotland doesn't put pen to paper.
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TownOnTheUp added 16:25 - May 24 Fuller would be fantastic. Fuller, Scotland, Chopra would be the strikeforce that cold take the Championship. Fuller; big and powerful. Chopra; poacher (although I say that a bit tongue in cheek after some of the misses last season.) Scotland; hold up player.The only thing missing from it is a 4th, young striker. Is Murray that man? I have my doubts. We need an electric forward, full of pace, to complement that line up. Can't think of anyone off the top of my head, but a lower league player could fit that bill. Overall, I'd like 6 players to come in. It sounds a lot, but remember how many have been released this season. Goalkeeper, Right Back, RCB, Judge/Gallagher, Fuller, ST. The three priorities are clearly GK, RB, RCB. Hop to it Jewell!

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dirtydingusmagee added 16:56 - May 24 correct Braintree Blue,.......Drog for Town ,naaaa some would still moan .
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jas0999 added 17:09 - May 24 We have too many oldies at the club and it clearly didn't work last year. At 32 years old I personally think we don't need yet another highly paid has-been. PJ has signed enough of them. Plus I would be disappointed if PJ goes back on his 'I have learnt my lesson speech' - referring to having too many oldies and loans. Also, if Scotland signs, we really need a more pacey and younger striker to compliment Scotland and Chopra. In fact we probably need to sign two new strikers.

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bluey123 added 17:19 - May 24 another over 30 what is wrong with JEWELL he is a complete idiot talk about building for the future for goodness sake sack the idiot before we get relegated
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billlm added 17:24 - May 24 no real f...ing news then no surprise there then
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WoodfordTim added 17:31 - May 24 Would be a great signing, together with Sam Parkin on a season long loan from West Ham, if that rumour comes true. Wow. Can't wait for the new season. Not relevant to this article, but has Joel Ward emigrated or something? Doesn't sound too keen to join us. Hope that is not the case.
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Wickets added 17:57 - May 24 As good a player as he has been for Stoke, i think his days in the hustle/bustle of the championship are perhaps behind him.Its tempting but dont think so.
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JeordieX added 18:19 - May 24 He we dont sign him he'll be another Roberts
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Bleedingblue added 18:19 - May 24 WoodfordTim - Sam Baldock :) Don't want Sam Parkin back please!
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Tractorcookie added 18:22 - May 24 A good back and certainly better than the Duke. We do need experience in the squad and a big front man for the Plan B we didn't have last season.
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