Boss Joe Royle says that the Blues are continuing to talk to Monaco regarding the future of loan midfielder Jimmy Juan. Royle is keen to sign the Frenchman on a permanent deal in the summer, with the 22-year-old happy to extend his stay with Town.

Royle said: "We're still trying, we're still talking. They haven't said yes and they haven't said no, and you honestly know as much as me now.

"He wants to stay here, he's very happy here and his progress has been one of the big plusses of the season. We're delighted with Jimmy."

Juan has been one of Town's most impressive performers this season after initially joining the Blues on loan in January 2005 after a short trial. His first six months in England were plagued by injury but, after making his debut on the opening day of the season against Cardiff, he has become a regular in the side.

One player who won't be joining the Blues is Polish trialist Paweł Król. Royle says the central defender is not quite what he is looking for: "He's done OK but we won't be going any further with it. He's got talent but the big question is whether he's better at 18 than the centre-halves we have and we've just shown two years faith in Chris Casement and we don't want to impair his progress.

"But central defence is the position we are mostly looking at, our hotspot for next year, and that is where we are targeting most of our scouting. That's our priority; a young centre-half who won't stunt Chris Casement's progress, as he's doing very well. Someone who's a bit further on, maybe in their twenties rather than an 18-year-old."

Royle says that loanee from Blackburn Jay McEveley, a centre-half as well as a left-back, could come into his plans as a long-term signing in the summer, although as yet no moves have been made in this direction.

Talks are continuing with Irish midfielder Owen Garvan regarding an extension to his contract. Garvan said last week that he wants to remain at Portman Road.

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