Town are reported to be close to completing the signing of Leeds left-back Dan Harding. The former Brighton man has been strongly linked with a move to Portman Road for the last month and Jim Magilton has admitted that the former England U21 international is a target.

Harding, who has a year left of his Elland Road contract, is likely to command a fee, although a swap deal for Darren Currie had been under discussion between the two clubs.

Elsewhere, Town chief executive Derek Bowden says that Town's attempt to sign Manchester United's Paul McShane may not yet be dead. The Irishman was targeted by the Blues after appearing on a list of potential season-long loanees, however, United want to negotiate a £250,000 move for the central defender, who spent last season at Brighton.

Bowden says that the cash is there but that Magilton may not want to spend his money on the 20-year-old: “Jim has enough budget to bring in three or four players if he wants to, or even two depending on how much he has to spend to secure them.

“While there is no doubt that he would like to bring in at least one now, it is still early, and he will bide his time if he has to get the right players.”

Bowden has also revealed that Town have turned down four bids over the summer. Jim Magilton previously revealed Leeds' interest in Darren Currie, while Owen Garvan, Shane Supple and Lewis Price are claimed to be the other three.

Certainly West Ham have long rated Garvan, watching him throughout last season, and may well have made a move for the young midfielder.

Bowden has also reiterated that the club are happy with level of funds raised through the recent share issue. The chief executive said last month that the club would not reveal the precise figure until the AGM in the autumn. A report puts the figure at around half of the £1.75 million of shares on offer.

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