Crystal Palace striker Stern John is heading back to Selhurst Park - after Ipswich decided not to extend his stay.
The Eagles forward has spent the last two months at Portman Road and has already stated he would be happy to sign for Roy Keane's men.
But the South London Press has received confirmation that Ipswich will not look to extend his stay once his loan spell expires this weekend - nor attempt to push through a permanent deal.
The news is a surprise as John has impressed for the Tractor Boys, and has not been on the losing side in the six Championship matches he has played.
His return will boost manager Neil Warnock's striking options, which have been depleted as Victor Moses has been banned from playing for the club by administrators P & A Partnership.
Stern's last stand ?
By Carl Marston (Green'Un24).
ROY Keane has insisted that no official decision has been made on Stern John's future, although it seems likely that the 33-year-old is on his way back to Crystal Palace this weekend.
Reports yesterday suggested that Keane will not be extending John's loan stay from Selhurst Park for the rest of the season.
The Town boss did not confirm this, but it appears as though the Trinidad & Tobago international will be back in south London after tomorrow's game at Preston.
“I have not really spoken to Stern since the game the other night,”insisted Keane.
“We have not officially made any decision. He's due to have his last official game for us tomorrow, will train with us today and will be in the squad.
“But things can change. If one or two of other strikers were to leave then he'd definitely be staying.”
Town wait on Stern call
itfc.co.uk
Town will make a decision on whether to extend the stay of Stern John at Portman Road after the weekend.
The Trinidad and Tobago international comes to the end of his second month on loan at the Club from Crystal Palace after Saturday's game at Preston. Blues can extend the loan for a third month - but the player would then have to return to Selhurst Park at the completion of it - or take him on loan in a window to window deal until the end of the season.
"It's Stern's last game with us tomorrow as part of his loan and we will make an official decision after that," says Town boss Roy Keane.
"He will be in the squad for the Preston game and we will see what develops from there."