The two clubs had agreed a fee for the England Under-21 international, but a hamstring injury put a permanent move on hold.

However, Magilton confirmed the Championship side are exploring a loan option in a bid to take Ameobi to Portman Road.

"The deal is not dead yet," Ipswich boss Magilton told the club's official website.

"It's in the hands of the powers that be at the two clubs and we are trying to sort something out on our terms, possibly a loan.

"Shola is a Premiership footballer and he has the quality that we are trying to bring to this club.

"But hamstring injuries can't be taken lightly. We saw that last season with Shefki (Kuqi) when he played 10 minutes, pulled up and we never saw the best of him after that."