Shola Ameobi could be on his way to Ipswich Town.

The Blues are rumoured to have had a £4 million bid accepted by Newcastle United for the former England Under-21 striker.

Town are refusing to comment on the speculation but reports in the North-East claim Town have put together a package to try and lure the front man to Portman Road.

They are said to have tabled a £3.5 million bid which, based on appearances and other add-ons, will rise to £4 million.

Ameobi joined Stoke City on loan in January and Newcastle had negotiated a £4m fee, should the Potters gain promotion to the Premier League.

However, the player was not keen on making the move permanent and chose to stay at St James' Park.

Now Town have stepped in, although they may face competition from East Anglian rivals Norwich City.

Former Magpies boss Glenn Roeder is in charge at Carrow Road and known to be a big admirer of the 26-year-old.

However, his club have less spending power and may be put off by the sizeable fee.

Ameobi has been on the scene at St James' Park for eight years, since being handed his debut by former Ipswich legend Sir Bobby Robson.

He has scored 45 goals in 135 starts and 95 substitute appearances on Tyneside.

The player is known to be desperate for first-team football but may be reluctant to drop down from the Premier League to Coca-Cola Championship.

Town boss Jim Magilton has money to burn this summer, thanks to the millions of owner Marcus Evans, and wants to bring a host of new faces to Portman Road.

A goalkeeper is among his targets and the latest name being linked is Fulham's Antti Niemi.

The 36-year-old is likely to be sold this summer.

Meanwhile, Town are close to completing the signing of Heerenveen central defender Pim Balkestein.

The 21-year-old, who spent time at the club on trial at the end of last season, should seal his transfer by the end of the week.

Town chief executive Derek Bowden said: "We have agreed terms with his club and we are meeting with his representatives.

"Now we need to agree personal terms with him and then he has to have a medical.

"Hopefully that can be concluded this week."

Town want to bring another centre-half to the club and are chasing Leicester City's Gareth McAuley.

They were also reported to have had a £1 million bid turned down for Cardiff City's Roger Johnson.