Ipswich have agreed a deal with Crystal Palace to sign former Portman Road favourite Shefki Kuqi on loan until the end of the season.Palace boss Neil Warnock told the 31-year-old that there was "no way back" for him at the Eagles after he was suspended for two weeks and fined a fortnight's wages after making an obscene gesture to supporters against Wolves last month.

Ipswich boss Jim Magilton has moved for Kuqi after learning that top scorer Jon Walters needs surgery on his knee injury and the targetman could feature against Charlton on Saturday.

Physio Matt Byard told the club's official website: "Jon has a cartilage tear to his left knee.

"He has seen a specialist and an operation has been recommended and we are looking at a six-week recovery period. He could be back for the last game of the season or the play-offs if we make them."

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