Boss Paul Jewell has revealed that Town have made an unsuccessful offer for Millwall midfielder James Henry. The Blues manager has also confirmed that he had targeted Nottingham Forest holding midfielder Guy Moussi, who committed his future to his current club yesterday, and that he made an enquiry regarding Cardiff’s Peter Whittingham, who Welsh sources linked with the Blues over the weekend.
Jewell had previously revealed that an offer for a winger had been turned down and says a new attempt to sign Henry was rebuffed by the Lions yesterday: "We had a bid for James Henry turned down by Millwall. That was the second bid we’ve put in.
"It’s been rejected by Millwall and they’ve told us he’s not for sale, so that’s probably dead that one, so we’re looking elsewhere.”
Henry, 22, plays either on the right or in the centre of midfield and began his career with hometown club Reading, during which time he spent spells on loan at Nottingham Forest, Norwich and twice with Millwall.
A deadball expert, Henry netted a hat-trick against a Tranmere side including new Town signing Aaron Cresswell in October 2009 during his second period on loan with the Lions.
In July 2010, he made his switch to the Den permanent for an undisclosed fee, having made only 10 starts and eight sub appearances for the Royals, scoring four goals, all in the Carling Cup.
The 6ft 1in tall midfielder, who has played for England’s U18s and U19s and Scotland’s U19s, who he qualifies via his parents, signed a three-year deal at Millwall last summer and made 43 starts and three sub appearances during 2010/11, netting five goals.
Jewell also confirmed that the Blues were, as reported last week, interested in signing 26-year-old French holding midfielder Guy Moussi, who signed a new three-year deal with his current club Nottingham Forest yesterday, having previously been out of contract: "We thought we were going to sign Guy Moussi but he’s ended up signing for Forest. He was one we were in for.
"There are a couple of others that we’re in for, but we’ve managed to keep most of them quiet, which is a great thing. I’m not being secretive about it, but that’s what we try and do and when it gets done you’ll be the first to know.”
Moussi committing to Forest means Steve McClaren’s club appear less likely to sign veteran free agent George Boateng, who has trained with both Town and the Tricky Trees during this pre-season.
Jewell gave little away regarding the 35-year-old former Dutch international: "George trained with us for three days. He just came in and trained with us and he did OK.
"We are after another midfield player that we’ve spoken about for a while. We know we need a centre-half, a midfield player, and we’re looking for another striker and another winger, so that tells you that we want competition for places in the team. We know that we’ve got to get better.”
Boateng, who had previously said he had not yet decided whether he would play for "reds or blues”, tweeted last night that he will soon reveal his new club: "I had a crazy day today but it all ended good and I will have some good news to announce tomorrow.”
Jewell also confirmed that he had made an enquiry regarding Cardiff midfielder Peter Whittingham, who was linked with the Blues over the weekend: "We asked and were told he wasn’t for sale. We have asked about Peter, but again we’ve been knocked back on that one.”
Meanwhile, the Blues boss says Town are being careful with new central defender Ãvar Ingimarsson, who is still to play a game during pre-season: "He’s been doing some fitness work but we’re aware he’s got a thigh strain. It’s a difficult one because if we push him too much and he tears it, he’ll be out for a long time.”
A Town XI — which is likely to include Jaime Peters, Luciano Civelli, Shane O’Connor, Ronan Murray and Joe Whight — is in action against Bury Town at Ram Meadow this evening (KO 7.45pm).