Town boss George Burley has said he is still hopeful that Finidi George will be available for Saturday's game with Sunderland. The completion of the deal has been delayed by papers required from Nigeria and Real Mallorca as well as his work permit.
But it seems things have got moving and Burley is still looking to include Finidi on Saturday: "We are waiting for one bit of detail from Majorca but once that comes hopefully everything will be completed quickly. I'm still hoping the paperwork arrives in time for him to play at Sunderland. He has been training with us and looks sharp so I would have no worries about putting him straight into the squad."
Town are expecting to hear about the work permit imminently and there should be little problem obtaining this. Finidi has been a regular for Nigeria for the last ten years.
Town will certainly be without Andy Marshall at the Stadium of Light, with Keith Branagan starting unless George Burley brings in another keeper either permanently or on loan.
Matt Holland has clearly been splashing the Brightlingsea water all over his ankle and knee as he will be back into training tomorrow.
Burley says he has no really big injury problems: "We are looking forward to Saturday and working hard. We have one or two niggly problems but nothing serious."
Titus Bramble came on at half-time as David Platt's reign as England U21 manager began with a 4-0 win.
Goals from Vassell, Defoe (2) and Christie beat the Dutch who were hardly as impressive as had been expected.
Bramble had a comfortable time and was even involved in the fourth goal.