Boss Roy Keane says Town have two loan targets they are hoping to bring to the club before Saturday’s game at Barnsley. Keane is understood to have been involved in a meeting at the club yesterday which presumably also included owner Marcus Evans, who attended Saturday’s game against Newcastle.
The Town manager says he is getting closer to adding to his squad and hinted that one of the additions is likely to be a centre-half, with Alex Bruce likely to be out of action for up to a fortnight with a groin injury: "Maybe this week. There’s been a little bit of progress over the last 24 hours. We’re trying. It’s a touch closer.
"I’ve got two targets in mind and we’re working very hard and there’s a bit to go yet on the negotiations.”
Keane admits that there have been one or two setbacks as he has sought to add to his options: "We’ve hit one or two brick walls, but I think there has been progress over the last 24 hours, however, there’s still a bit of work to be done over the next few days. Nothing will happen before tomorrow night but by the weekend I’m a bit more hopeful.
"I’ve been saying for the last couple of months, there are one or two areas of the club I think we need improving. It’s very good talking about the problems have in certain areas, in terms of defending, particularly set pieces, but we need to talk about the solution and get one or two players in.
"Trust me, it’s easier said than done. I could draw you up a list of players, but it’s trying to get the ones we think will help improve us.”
The Blues boss dismissed weekend newspaper claims that talks have been ongoing with Sol Campbell since last week, but again failed to rule out a move for the former England man: "No, not that I’m aware of. I mentioned him [on Friday] because I was asked a question about him. Am I interested? We’re interested in all good players.”
Keane says he is well aware that there will have to be an upturn in form sooner rather than later: "The bottom line is, if results don't improve there will be changes. I'll be losing my job if results don't improve.”
While Alex Bruce is definitely out of Tuesday’s game at Bramall Lane, Gareth McAuley trained yesterday and will be involved in a light session today and could be available, havin missed out at the weekend due to a calf injury. David Wright and youngster Troy Brown are also expected to travel to South Yorkshire.
Striker Connor Wickham will remain behind after suffering with a groin injury in recent weeks.