New Town chief scout Steve McCall admits that the club's management are frustrated that they are yet to sign anyone this summer. However, the UEFA Cup winner expects additions to the squad to be in place before the season starts if not in time for Friday's friendly at home to Lazio.

McCall said: “We are frustrated that it is taking longer than we hoped.

“But we have two players targeted - and they will make a big difference.

“We can't name names because we do not want to alert other clubs and hopefully it will be kept quiet until we can announce the signings.

“If we do not complete the signings by Friday then we are confident that we will have fresh faces in time for the first Championship game at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday week.”

Everton's Lee Carsley is the latest player to be linked with a loan move to the Blues, a story possibly triggered by the Irish international missing the Toffeemen's US tour for "personal reasons". However, Carsley has impressed in Everton's pre-season games so far and appears to be in David Moyes's plans.

Former Blue Jamie Clapham has also been linked again but, according to the press in the Midlands, is continuing his trial at Wolves.

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