Aston Villa manager David O'Leary is said to be very impressed with Bowditch, and had a senior scout at Portman Road on Saturday keeping track on the youngsters progress.
Joe Royle knows that if he wants to strengthen his squad, he will have to sell first, and with Shefki Kuqi turning down moves elsewhere and no offers incoming for Pablo Counago, he may be put into a position where he has to either lose Bowditch or be serverly restricted in the transfer market.
When asked about interest from clubs involving Bowditch, all former Everton, Manchester City and Oldham Athletic boss Royle would say was: "That would be telling."