Boss Mick McCarthy says recruiting the right players over the summer is crucial if the Blues are to push on into the top six next season. Town ended 2013/14 in ninth, four points off the play-off places.
"To do that, recruitment is vital for us,” McCarthy told the club site. "We won’t be rushing into anything and signing players straight away.
"That doesn’t happen because clubs don’t want to pay out for players early in the summer when the season doesn’t start until August.
"We are beavering away, looking at getting in the best in free transfers and Bosmans. There are good players about in that area but we won’t be the only club looking at that.
"There might be a swap deal to be done somewhere. We have been very proactive and calculating in what we are doing, which is trying to improve on the squad.”
Meanwhile, former loanee Jonny Williams continues to be linked with a summer switch to Swansea City. The 20-year-old Crystal Palace midfielder says he’s aware of the Swans’ interest with the prospect of a £4 million move having first been mooted last month.
"I spoke to my agent who says [Swansea] were interested," Williams said. "I need to play football, preferably at Palace, but if not I'd have to consider playing elsewhere.”
Town boss McCarthy has said he would be interested in signing the 20-year-old Wales international on loan again next season if he were to become available.
Elsewhere, ex-Blues striker Michael Chopra has revealed that he is to join a club in the Indian Super League following his release by Blackpool. The 30-year-old failed to net in six starts and 14 sub appearances for the Seasiders last season.
Former Town manager Roy Keane has left his role as an ITV pundit and will reportedly joining the coaching staff at Aston Villa.
Keane, who has ruled himself out of the running for the Celtic manager’s job, is expected to take the role as Paul Lambert’s assistant at Villa Park alongside his current position as Martin O’Neill’s Republic of Ireland deputy.