Boss Paul Jewell has revealed that he tried to sign two Premier League players on loan last week but that they decided to remain with their clubs to fight for their places.
Jewell told the club site: "We are always looking to improve the squad and we did try and get in a couple of players last week.
"They were at Premier League clubs but said they didn't want a loan move and wanted to stay and fight for their place, and I can understand that."
A week earlier 33-year-old Aston Villa right-back Habib Beye had turned down a loan switch to Portman Road.
Jewell has reiterated his intention to send his first and second-year professionals out on loan: "Lads like Reggie [Lambe] and Conor Hourihane. They are good players and doing well in the reserves. I have been impressed by the young pros but I would like to get them out on loan.
"[They need to] go and play some first team football and get kicked a bit. It will be good for them as footballers."
Young keeper Ian McLoughlin, who is one of the large number of players out of contract at the end of the season, joined Stockport on a month’s loan on Friday.
Jewell says central defender Tommy Smith recently had the opportunity of a spell away from Portman Road but opted to stay: "Tommy Smith had a chance to go out on loan three weeks ago. But the young defender wanted to stay and fight for for his place and I’m happy with that.”
New Zealand international Smith is yet to feature for the Blues under the new boss's management.