PLAYING for Ipswich Town in 2008/09 remains top of goalkeeper Richard Wright's list of priorities.

Elvin King

PLAYING for Ipswich Town in 2008/09 remains top of goalkeeper Richard Wright's list of priorities.

And the Evening Star can reveal that the expectations are that he will be leaving West Ham over the next 10 days.

As far as Wright is concerned there are no issues to stop him re-joining his home-town club, and one where he is now based with his family.

The 30-year-old, who has one year left on his Hammers contract, is likely to be valued at around £500,000 by the London-based Premier League.

Town boss Jim Magilton has shown interest in other keepers as he seeks a number one, but his former Blues team mate Wright remains his top priority - and he admits that an approach has been made for Wright.

West Ham are reluctant to seriously consider a move for Wright, who was training with them today, until they have resolved the situation with their number one Robert Green.

A couple of their Premier League rivals, with Aston Villa topping the list, are looking to tempt the former Norwich City keeper away from Upton Park and they don't want to be left without a senior keeper.

The Hammers are believed to be talking to other keepers - one from a Scottish club - to bring in.

Green wants a contract extension that West Ham are stalling on.

But Wright, who would have no problem working with new Town goalkeeping coach James Hollman after they were brought up together as youth players at Ipswich, is keeping his fingers crossed that the Green situation gets sorted so that West Ham can begin serious talks with Ipswich.

Town did enquire about Preston's Andy Lonergan's availability with Lilywhites' chairman Derek Shaw saying: “I received a call from Ipswich last week but we didn't even get to the stage of talking money - I told them Andy was not for sale and it ended there.”

Meanwhile, Jon Walters is set to feature in Ipswich's friendly at Brentford tomorrow night.

Magilton said: “Jon will be fine and fit and playing for us tomorrow.”

And talking about last night's 3-0 win at Bury Town, Magilton said: “It was a great night. The pitch helped us because we could move the ball quickly. It was a good work out and many of those lads will be involved tomorrow.

“For a lot of others it will be their first game so we will give as many as we can a run out even if it is just for 45 minutes, we will taper it to their needs.

“Then we have Monday, Thursday and Saturday in Ireland.”