Connor Wickham is for sale to Liverpool or Spurs, says Paul Jewell

Ipswich boss Paul Jewell appears to have resigned himself to losing hot prospect Connor Wickham to either Spurs or Liverpool in the summer.

Tottenham and Liverpool are reportedly leading the race for the £15 million-rated striker, who turned 18 on Thursday.

Jewell said: 'I am hopeful he will stay but, let's be honest, we are all at the mercy of the big clubs.

'If Liverpool or Tottenham come in with money that is going to help us plough back into the team – silly money if you like – we have to listen to it.'

The former Wigan manager believes it would be better for Wickham's development if he stayed with the Tractor Boys.

But he pointed out that the England Under-21 international would not be leaving on the cheap as Ipswich do not need to sell.

Wickham has made 66 appearances and scored 11 goals for Ipswich, since he became the club's youngest ever debutant when he appeared at the age of 16 years and 11 days in 2009.

Tottenham gaffer Harry Redknapp has also been linked with bringing former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan back to the Premier League in the summer.

The White Hart Lane boss travelled to watch the Uruguayan playing for Atletico Madrid during the January transfer window with a view to making a bid but his trip ended in disaster when he was mugged outside the Vicente Calderon stadium.