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Wigan\'s Watson Linked Again - Ipswich Town News

Town have again been linked with Wigan midfielder Ben Watson. The 24-year-old was reported to be interesting the Blues last summer prior to his £2 million move to the Latics from Crystal Palace in January.

Watson is said to be out of favour under new Wigan manager Roberto Martinez, having been signed by former boss Steve Bruce, a close friend of Roy Keane's. The Blues are reported to be ready to make a £1.5 million offer for the Camberwell-born central midfielder, while Cardiff are claimed to be interested in taking him on a season-long loan.

Capped twice by England at U21 level, Watson came through the youth system at Palace and was a regular in their side prior to his move, but has made little impact with his new club, making only six starts and four sub appearances, all last season, scoring two goals.

Keane said after Saturday's defeat that he wants to add to his squad before the close of the transfer window a week on Tuesday and when the emergency loan window opens a week later: "I think we are short by two or three players and there will need to be a reaction in terms of trying to get players in.

"But when you are at the bottom, trying to attract players is going to be even more difficult, so there are a tough few weeks coming up.

"It is going to be very difficult in terms of short-term improvement unless we improve the squad."

Central midfield is an area Keane has said he is looking at strengthening with David Norris out until Christmas and with the Blues having been weak in that area so far this season.

Town are also understood to be keen on adding Bohemians midfielder Gary Deegan to their squad before the end of the week, having originally been planning to sign the 21-year-old in November at the end of the Irish season when Bohs keeper Brian Murphy is also set to join the club.

Meanwhile, Watford have praised Town chairman and owner Marcus Evans for the way he handled the £1.7 million deal which saw Tamás Priskin join the Blues from the Hornets earlier this month.

Watford chairman Jimmy Russo has released a statement outlining why Reading's offer for midfielder Tommy Smith was unacceptable and in passing commented on the Priskin deal: "We showed in our dealings with Ipswich and Tamas Priskin that we understand the value of our players and that we are fair in our dealings.

"It is exactly the same with Reading and Tommy Smith. We have to give credit to Marcus Evans at Ipswich for backing his manager and negotiating with us in a quiet and discreet manner. It eventually produced a suitable and appropriate deal for Ipswich, Tamas Priskin and Watford."

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