Town boss Paul Hurst is expecting a busy fortnight as he looks to add to his squad prior to the season opener against Blackburn Rovers at Portman Road. One player believed to be interesting the Blues' manager, Bristol Rovers striker Ellis Harrison, was left out of his club’s friendly this afternoon, while Town have been linked with Scunthorpe left-back Conor Townsend, who previously had two spells playing under Hurst at Grimsby.
"I hope it’s going to be a busy two weeks before the Blackburn game,” Hurst told iFollow after the Barnet match.
"I think today showed that we are lacking numbers and quality in certain areas. It’s not helped by the injuries - that we have inherited really. I think it will give everyone a boost if we could get some more players through the door.
"It does feel the market has been pretty slow. I’m not sure if it’s because of the World Cup or what but we are working hard and there are offers out there. We’ve got to see which ones fall first and take it from there.”
Former Wales U21 international Harrison was reported to be among the strikers the Blues are eyeing on Friday with Town’s opening day opponents Blackburn previously reported to be interested.
Harrison was left out of the Pirates’ friendly against Forest Green Rovers with manager Darrell Clarke refusing to comment on why afterwards.
Meanwhile, the Daily Mail claims the Blues and West Brom are eyeing Townsend, who has already been the subject of a £250,000 offer from his former club Hull City this summer.
The League One club are said to want £600,000 for the 25-year-old, who is contracted for another year.
Subsequently, Irn-Bru has reported that Town are now the favourites to sign the Hessle-born full-back with a £400,000 offer anticipated.
Townsend came through the youth system at local club Hull and had spells on loan at Chesterfield, Carlisle (twice), Scunthorpe and Dundee United in addition to his two stints with the Mariners working under Hurst while a Tigers player. He moved to Glanford Park on a permanent basis in January 2016.
While on his first loan with Grimsby under Hurst, Townsend was named the Lincolnshire club’s Young Player of the Year.