LOAN star Niklas Gudmundsson has been a big hit in East Anglia in the last few weeks but could still miss out on the chance of a permanent move to Ipswich Town, writes PETER WHITE.

For Portman Road boss George Burley admitted today that, even though a transfer for the Blackburn Rovers forward would be the ideal outcome, he couldn't afford to sign him at the moment.

The Swedish international, whose chances with Blackburn Rovers have been severely limited, left Ewood on extended loan before the transfer deadline.

He took time to settle in with the First Division promotion chasers but has really come good in recent weeks to establish himself as a firm favourite with the Portman Road faithful.

And Burley said: "He's done very well and we are very pleased with him. Ideally I think he would like to stay with us. He's got sharper and sharper and the fans have taken to him. He looked really good against Sheffield United."

But Burley also revealed: "We haven't got any money."

Gudmundsson's impact peaked on Wednesday night when he scored the goal that seemed to have put Ipswich on the way to Wembley for the play-offs final. But Sheffield United hit back to equalise and go through on away goals.

Gudmundsson had to be substituted after suffering a knock and was given a standing ovation by the Ipswich supporters.

"There's no doubt they would like to buy him," said one regular observer of the Portman Road scene.

"But money is the problem.

"He has said how much he has enjoyed playing here and he has felt the benefit of an extended run at first team level.

"Although he has been on the bench for some games, Gudmundsson has got better and better and Neil Gregory, who scored a hat-trick against Sheffield United earlier in the season, was left out for him on Wednesday night.

"He was electric in the second leg and his goal should have set up Ipswich for the play-offs final and possibly a place in the Premiership."

Gudmundsson has now returned to Sweden and the possibility of a permanent transfer to Portman Road would seem to depend on what happens during the summer.

Ipswich have not yet got down to formulating their retained list, because of their involvement in the play-offs.

If Burley generates some cash, he might come back in for the Swede.

There could also be other interest. Gudmundsson was named man of the match on Wednesday night and no doubt there was a posse of scouts and managers watching from the sidelines.

Paul Ince scored twice last night as Inter Milan beat relegated Reggiana 3-1 in the San Siro to move to within two points of second-placed Parma, with three matches remaining.

Roy Hodgson's side could yet crown a fine season by winning the UEFA Cup against Schalke on Wednesday and finishing second in Serie A to qualify for a Champions' League chance.

If he left Inter in such a position, the new Ewood manager's reputation would be greatly enhanced.

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