IPSWICH Town players return to pre-season training this week with a surprise in store – the return of flamboyant keeper Matteo Sereni.The Italian keeper, who insisted he would not return to Portman Road, is expected to join the first team squad at the club's Playford Road training centre on Wednesday.

By Georgina James

IPSWICH Town players return to pre-season training this week with a surprise in store – the return of flamboyant keeper Matteo Sereni.

The Italian keeper, who insisted he would not return to Portman Road, is expected to join the first team squad at the club's Playford Road training centre on Wednesday.

The 28-year-old, who has had a season-long loan spell with Serie A outfit Brescia, has failed to secure a permanent move elsewhere and is therefore on his way back to England.

Speaking from Italy, his wife and business manager Silvia confirmed that Sereni will be flying in from Genoa tomorrow.

She said: "Matteo has been told he has to go back to Ipswich by the manager and he will do as the manager tells him."

Sereni made 33 appearances for Town in his one season at Portman Road following a record £5million transfer from Sampdoria in August 2001.