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Blues Close in On Pilkington and Quaner - Ipswich Town News

Town are close to completing the signings of Cardiff City winger Anthony Pilkington and Huddersfield Town forward Collin Quaner. We understand the deals could go through within the next 48 hours.

Speaking on Saturday, manager Paul Lambert said he hoped to make a "couple” of additions to his squad early this week with TWTD reporting that Pilkington was set to be one of them.

The 30-year-old, who was first mentioned in connection with Town last week, is out of favour with the Bluebirds, not having featured at any stage this season.

A report in Wales last week indicated that the nine-times-capped Republic of Ireland international would join a Championship club on a permanent basis this week with the Blues presumably set to take on the remaining months of his Cardiff deal which is up in the summer in much the same way as they did with the signings of Mustapha Carayol and Stephen Gleeson last January.

Pilkington previously worked under Lambert during his time as manager at Norwich City, having paid Huddersfield a fee of £2 million rising to £3 million in July 2011.

Düsseldorf-born forward Quaner, 27, who was initially reported to be a Blues target at the weekend, is similarly out of favour with the Terriers having made only two sub appearances this season.

The 6ft 3in tall frontman is set to join on loan with his contract at Huddersfield having another year left to run.

Although often having operated as a central striker at his clubs in his native Germany, including hometown side Fortuna, he has usually operated wide on the right for the Terriers.

Meanwhile, academy midfielder Henry Barley, 17, has joined Felixstowe and Walton on loan having previously spent a spell with Brantham Athletic.

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