Boss Paul Hurst says it’s now “very unlikely” that the Blues will sign Blackpool centre-half Curtis Tilt.
Town had finally appeared to have made some progress on their long-standing move for the 27-year-old yesterday, however, the deal appears to have hit what looks to be a further - and probably terminal - stumbling block believed to be the sum the Seasiders are demanding the Blues pay them up front.
"I would have liked [to have signed him], but I have to say that that’s looking very unlikely,” Hurst said regarding the Tilt situation.
A centre-half remains one of Hurst’s two targets ahead of Friday’s 5pm deadline and he could now turn his attention back to AFC Wimbledon skipper Deji Oshilaja, who was close to signing on the final day of the regular transfer window when we understand he was at Portman Road for talks. However, the clubs were then unable to agree a fee.
Hurst is also after a striker with former skipper Jon Walters being targeted, as revealed by TWTD earlier this afternoon.
Asked whether he expected things to go right to the wire on Friday afternoon, Hurst added: "I’d rather not, at least we won’t have to be up to 11 o’clock, not that it’s that late, although of late it does seem I’m getting a little bit tired before that time.
"In an ideal world we’d be before then, but it would be wrong of me to say it will be definitely, we’ll have to wait and see. We’re certainly hopeful of getting a couple in before then.”
Is he confident of getting the players he wants in? "Hopeful, I’ve made no secret of it and thankfully when we speak next week we can be talking about something different rather than ins and outs.”
Hurst says he’s not anticipating any further loans out - Tristan Nydam moved to St Johnstone yesterday - with central defender Luke Woolfenden among those who he has received enquiries regarding.
"Possibly not,” he said. "Again, depending on what we do [in terms of incoming signings]. The issue is with getting close to that deadline. What I’m certainly not prepared to do is let people just go out when we’ve got to look after ourselves first and foremost.
"If that means having a couple of extra bodies in the end I’d rather it be that way than feel like we’re a little bit short. Possible outs but maybe depending on what business we do first.”