Boss Joe Royle has conceded that the Blues are likely to miss out on signing former loanee David Unsworth. Royle has targeted the 31-year-old for the left-back role he filled during the last three months of last season.

Unsworth has a year left on his Premiership contract at Portsmouth and Town would only have a chance of capturing the one-time England international if Pompey settled his contract or part-funded a season-long loan.

However, Portsmouth don't seem keen on either scenario and Royle admits that he may have to look elsewhere: "It's not looking good.

"Our chairman is speaking to Portsmouth's chief executive, but as things stand it will need a big change in the situation if David is going to be joining us."

Royle is keen to sign one or even two defenders before the start of the season but few names have been mentioned other than Unsworth in recent weeks. A report this morning linking Steve Staunton appears to have been purely based on the veteran former Liverpool man, and Jim Magilton's brother-in-law, having left Coventry earlier this week.

Town, who are continuing pre-season training at the Royal Hospital School in Holbrook this week, play their first friendly of their 2005/06 preparations at Cambridge United next Wednesday. Royle intends to field a different side in each half and will use the match to take a look at some of the club's youngsters.

The Town boss has already revealed that central midfielder Owen Garvan and goalkeeper Shane Supple will be considered members of the first team squad this season, while Michael Synnott, a right-back, and central defenders Chris Casement, Gerard Nash and Aidan Collins could also be in the manager's plans.

FA Youth Cup-winning skipper Liam Craig, who recently won U19 Scotland caps, and front pair Darryl Knights and Billy Clarke may also be in the first team picture this season.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls