Loan Duo to Stay? - Ipswich Town News

Boss Jim Magilton says he is keen for loan duo Simon Walton and Jon Macken to remain at Portman Road after their current spells end. It had looked like Walton would return to Charlton in January, but the change of management at the Valley could see his time at Town extended.

Magilton told the club site: "The noises we were getting from Charlton regarding Simon were that Les Reed wanted him back, but the situation has obviously changed there with Alan Pardew now in charge.

"I'd like to keep Simon. He's a good young professional who has done well for us, but it's case of talking to Charlton and taking it from there.

"I'm hoping to speak to Alan either this week or early next week - or both - to see where we stand.

"It's the same situation with Jon Macken. We will talk to Crystal Palace and see what they say because I'd like to keep him here as well."

Magilton is likely to complete the permanent signings of Gary Roberts and George O'Callaghan in the days after the transfer window reopens from Accrington Stanley and Cork City respectively.

Roberts will cost £200,000 on top of the £50,000 loan fee already paid to the Lancastrians, while O'Callaghan's switch from the Eircom League side will cost the Blues a low five-figure sum.

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