Jewell: We'd consider silly money

Published Apr. 1, 2011 4:16 p.m. ET

foxsports

Ipswich boss Paul Jewell has admitted that Connor Wickham could be sold if 'silly money' is offered by suitors Liverpool or Tottenham.

Summer bids are expected, and Ipswich are bracing themselves for big-money approaches.

Jewell insists they are under no pressure to sell, with it important that the best decision is made for the club and Wickham.

He is, however, aware that offloading his prize asset would help to bolster his own transfer kitty.

"I'm hopeful he will stay but, let's be honest, we are all at the mercy of the big clubs," said Jewell.

"If Liverpool or Spurs come in with money that is going to help us plough back into the team - silly money if you like - we have to listen to it.

"But if he does go he will not be going on the cheap and we are certainly not actively looking to sell him."

Wickham, Ipswich's youngest-ever debutant, has broken into the England Under-21 set-up this season and Jewell believes his development may be better served with another 12 months in the Championship.

He added: "Personally, I think it would be best for him to stay here for another year, hopefully get us some goals and into the Premier League.

"But it is going to be difficult for any club at this level to turn down a big offer from one of the top teams.

"If it is one of the smaller Premier League clubs I don't think Connor would want to go."