Chairman David Sheepshanks says he is “quietly optimistic” that the Blues will add to their squad next week. The Blues have so far failed to land any of their January transfer window targets.

Town have made unsuccessful bids for Plymouth's David Norris and Leicester's Gareth McAuley, while they are still waiting to hear back from another club regarding a so-far-unnamed third player.

Sheepshanks said: “I am quietly optimistic there will be movement next week. But even if it takes longer our fans should not be unduly alarmed.

“We are working hard to bring the right players in. We are only just over halfway through the month and we are actively engaged on a number of different fronts.

“Supporters should not read anything into the fact that no signings have yet been made.”

Sheepshanks expects clubs to be busier towards the end of the month with the better players outside the Premier League more likely to move on at that stage and top flight clubs more willing to make their fringe squad members available on loan later in the transfer window.

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