Town boss Jim Magilton hopes to add a loanee to his squad ahead of the league game against Reading in 10 days' time. The transfer window closed last night with only Jon Stead added to the earlier summer signings.

Magilton has been looking for a left-sided midfielder and it is likely the new recruit will be a player in that mould. West Ham's Kyel Reid has been watched since last season and Middlesbrough's Adam Johnson is someone Magilton and numerous other Championship bosses rate highly, while Chelsea's Scott Sinclair is another player the Town manager might consider, if available.

The emergency loan window opens next Monday with the Blues able to take players from Football League and Premier League clubs for up to a maximum of 93 days. Town are likely to wait until close to the Reading game to complete the move to make sure th3 93-day period takes in the maximum number of games.

New striker Stead will join up with his new team-mates today after his loan move was rushed through yesterday lunchtime.

Town are reported to have turned down a bid of more than £3 million for Jon Walters on deadline day. Stoke had been chasing the former Chester man all summer, but the Potters are said not to have been the interested party.

The Blues are said to have denied making a bid for Torino frontman Nicola Ventola. Yesterday, reports in Italy claimed the Blues had spoken to the Serie A side regarding taking the former Inter man on loan but talks broke down.

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