Boss Joe Royle says that Jay McEveley could still become a permanent addition to his squad over the summer. It had appeared that interest in the season-long loanee from Blackburn had cooled with the club's financial position making a deal impossible.

However, Royle says that there is still a chance that McEveley may be lining up for the Blues in 2006/07: "Jay might still be here next year. I'm still not entirely sure of his position. I've spoken with Mark Hughes and at the moment Blackburn want to see him again before making a decision, but it might be a quick decision, so I wouldn't rule that one out completely.

"It actually might quite suit us as it could give us a little time in the summer to find the finance."

The Town manager is also targeting strengthening his midfield over the summer and has a player in his sights to replace Jimmy Juan: "I already have an eye on a midfielder further on in his development who will help us really threaten next year."

Royle says that any deals in the short-term are likely to be Bosman signings, but that cash could be splashed - presumably the funds raised in the planned share issue - in the months to come: "We won't be spending money, not at this stage. I don't know whether that would change later on in the summer. The couple of players I've enquired about already wouldn't necessarily be fees anyway.

"If we don't get anybody in, which is very, very unlikely, we will still finish the season with a stronger squad when everybody's fit than we started with last year, and a squad at least capable of fighting for the play-offs."

Town have extended Michael Synnott's academy scholarship after the young Irishman missed much of this season having undergone ankle surgery in October. The full-back, a member of the FA Youth Cup-winning side, is highly rated and could make his mark in the first team next season.

Town will not be taking their interest in Spanish trialists Jose Carrasco and Daniel Orosco any further. Faroese midfielder Ingi Højsted will also not be returning to the club after his recent trial.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls