Boss Jim Magilton says the Blues' first summer signing is not too far away. Blackburn striker Franny Jeffers remains the number one target, but the Town manager also has other potential new recruits in mind.

Magilton said: “We have many things pending this week, but we are still very much in the hunt for Francis Jeffers. We are being patient so we make the right decisions to buy the right person.”

Town are reported to have been amongst a number of Championship clubs to miss out on released Charlton midfielder Bryan Hughes. The ex-Birmingham man, linked with the Blues during George Burley's time as manager, joined Hull earlier in the week.

A ball-winning midfielder and now another goalkeeper are on Magilton's summer wish-list, while the Town boss has also indicated he may look to bring Middlesbrough defender Matthew Bates back to Portman Road for a second loan spell.

The Town squad will spend next week continuing their pre-season campaign at Loughborough University. While in the Midlands the Blues will play their first friendlies at Burton Albion (Tuesday) and Kettering Town (Thursday).

The players have been given this week off after starting their pre-season programme three weeks earlier than ever before. Manager Magilton is working for his UEFA 'A' Licence in Belfast.

The traditional summer influx of hopeful trialists is likely to start once the Blues return from Loughborough, but Magilton is reported to have denied that Dunfermline keeper Dorus de Vries will be amongst them. The former Dutch U21 international, available on a free transfer, was linked with the Blues and a number of other clubs over the weekend.

Meanwhile, Town's goalkeeper coach Andy Rhodes will spend next week in Germany assessing training methods at Bayern Munich. Rhodes's opposite number at Bayern is 1974 World Cup winner Sepp Maier, while their current first choice is Oliver Kahn.

Get the fastest and most comprehensive Ipswich Town news service at ipswichtown.footballlatest.co.uk.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls