TWTD understands that Blackburn Rovers have offered Jay McEveley a new contract, scuppering Town's chances of signing the loanee on a permanent basis. The full-back or central defender still has a year left of his existing deal at Ewood Park.

Boss Joe Royle was keen for the England U21 international to become a full-time member of the Town squad in the close season having spent 2005/06 on loan at Portman Road.

However, it appears Blackburn want to hang on to the 20-year-old, their qualification for the UEFA Cup and need for a larger squad perhaps having some bearing on their decision.

McEveley made 19 appearances for the Blues, scoring one goal. His season with Town was interrupted by a medial knee ligament injury sustained at Cardiff in November which kept him out of action until early April.

A player who can operate at both centre-half and left-back is one of Joe Royle's priorities over the summer with McEveley his preferred choice. The Town manager will now have to set his sights elsewhere.

One or perhaps two experienced midfielders to take over from the departing Jim Magilton, Kevin Horlock and Jimmy Juan are also targets, ideally on free transfers. Southampton's out-of-contract Matt Oakley has emerged as another potential signing with the Saints only willing to offer the 28-year-old Peterborough-born player a one-year deal.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls