Boss Jim Magilton looks set to bring in more players when the emergency loan window opens next Friday. Although the Blues managed to make five additions to the squad during January, they missed out on central defensive target Gareth McAuley.

A centre-half now looks likely to be targeted on loan, although with 93 days the longest loan period available, it could be that more than one player will come in between now and the end of the season. A number of the Town youngsters could also go out on loan before May.

Town also targeted a new striker during the window, but failed to land Andy Gray from Burnley, who moved on to Charlton instead. A frontman could also be brought in on a short-term basis.

In addition to the five players coming in, the transfer window saw George O'Callaghan, Neil Alexander and Sammy Moore leave on a permanent basis, with Matt Richards, Jaime Peters, Billy Clarke and Shane Supple going out on loan.

The biggest deal of the lot was undoubtedly the signing of Plymouth midfielder David Norris for £2 million, the largest fee the Blues have paid since relegation in 2002.

Chairman David Sheepshanks says the renegotiation of Bolton's 50% made it the most complicated deal he has been involved in: “The Bolton deal was an obstacle to any club wanting to buy Norris and meet their valuation. We came to an agreement with Bolton and that was important in being able to get across the line.

“It was easier for us to negotiate with Bolton and we are grateful to them. They are not a charity and had an entitlement, but we were able to broker a deal that was acceptable to them and us.”

The Trotters are understood to have received around £750,000 of the £2 million the Blues paid the Pilgrims, having inserted the clause when they sold Norris to Plymouth for just £25,000 in 2002.

Norris says he is targeting the Premier League football: “Looking at where they are in the league, with the new investor and a good manager, then it is entirely realistic to look at promotion. Ipswich are nicely poised and ready for the big push.”

The midfielder, new keeper Stephen Bywater and Macedonian international Velice Sumulikoski are all likely to make their debuts at Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, with second glovesman Nick Colgan on the bench.

Photo: Action Images

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