Luton’s Andy Drury looks set to be unveiled as Paul Jewell’s first permanent Town signing before the January transfer window closes at 11pm tonight. The 27-year-old was spotted at the club on Friday and appears the most likely addition to Jewell’s squad today.
Talks between the clubs are understood to have continued throughout last week with news of the Blues’ interest in the midfielder first having broken a week ago on Saturday.
Drury is believed to have a clause in his contract which allows him to move on if Luton receive an offer of £150,000. Coventry and Sheffield United have also shown interest in the one-time Sittingbourne, Gravesend and Northfleet, Lewes and Stevenage man.
This morning’s newspapers continue to link Jason Scotland with a return to Swansea on loan, reports which are likely to have stemmed from Swans boss Brendan Rodgers’s comments last week in which he said he would be interested if the Trinidadian became available but was yet to make a move.
Portsmouth revealed their interest in Town skipper David Norris earlier in the window with the midfielder out of contract in the summer. Norris and Gareth McAuley, who both turned down Town's initial contract offer before Christmas, were due to speak to new manager Jewell regarding their futures at the end of last week.
Town were again linked with Preston centre-half Sean St Ledger over the weekend, while a striker would also appear to be on the Blues’ wish-list after missing out on Swindon’s Charlie Austin last week.
A right-back may also be in Jewell’s thoughts unless he has been sufficiently impressed with Carlos Edwards’s performances in the role he fulfils for Trinidad and played earlier in his career with Wrexham and Luton.
So far Jimmy Bullard's loan froom Hull is Town's only January addition, however there is unlikely to be any rush to make signings today with the Blues able to bring players in on loan from next week. Many Premier League clubs may not be willing to allow their players to move on until they have assessed where this window’s transfer business leaves them.
Meanwhile, Town have changed their policy on public access to training at Playford Road. Former boss Roy Keane allowed fans to watch all sessions but due to various concerns the club will now hold organised open sessions throughout the year, something initially introduced during Jim Magilton’s time as manager.
Elsewhere, former Blues loanee David Healy has joined Rangers on a six-month deal after leaving Sunderland.