TOP scouts will descend on Portman Road tonight to see Ipswich Town against Reading, and Blues boss Joe Royle said: "They'll be like vultures trying to see what they can pick up.

By Dave Allard

TOP scouts will descend on Portman Road tonight to see Ipswich Town against Reading, and Blues boss Joe Royle said: "They'll be like vultures trying to see what they can pick up."

Everton boss David Moyes is likely to again be looking at Town's 16-goal top marksman Darren Bent, the 19-year-old England Under-21 international.

The Merseysider's, who are chasing a UEFA Cup place, have been monitoring Bent for some time and Moyes has been a visitor himself at many Ipswich matches.

The main thing for Town is three more precious points on an evening when, due to the severe financial circumstances, home players will again be under scrutiny.

Ipswich are classified as a "club in distress" and, because of that, can sell players despite the transfer deadline being closed.

That will end on Thursday week when the tradition eve of end of season deadline arrives, after which no deals – including loans – can be done by anyone..

Royle said: "It will be good for me when the deadline passes as things will be a bit more settled. There will continue to be all sorts of speculation before then and that's the way it is.

"The main thing is that we get three points tonight against a very good Reading side. That will boost everyone, the players, fans and everyone alike, even administrators who are working at the club with us now."

Aston Villa are known to be big admirers of Town's England Under-21 midfielder Darren Ambrose.

He will again be out nursing a knee injury, but should be back for Saturday's home game with Brighton.

Front man Marcus Bent has been interesting Fulham, as Royle at one stage confirmed. However, the Blues boss says now that there looks to be no prospect of the Premiership west Londoners moving in.

West Ham are undoubtedly keen on central defender Thomas Gaardsoe and boss Glenn Roeder or assistant Paul Goddard, the former Ipswich coach, are likely to be on the guest list this evening at Portman Road.

Royle added: "Interest can come from far and wide. We can't stop that, but as it stands we've had no bids. I can't worry too much about that. All I'm concentrating on is getting the team right for tonight and making sure they get the three points."

Seventh in the table Town are unbeaten in six games, with four draws and two wins.