Chairman David Sheepshanks says he is still hopeful that the Blues can sign number one target Franny Jeffers. Blackburn turned down Town's second bid of £500,000 plus top-ups last week.

Sheepshanks says that Jeffers still wants to move to Portman Road and that the club will continue their efforts to secure his signature: “Currently Blackburn have a higher valuation than we are able to meet.

“But I remain hopeful we can reach agreement over a fee in the next two weeks or so.”

Derby are the only other club to be linked with a move for Jeffers, despite one recent report quoting manager Billy Davies as saying he had no interest in the former Everton, Arsenal and Charlton man.

Chairman Sheepshanks was given a long service award by the Football League at their AGM in Portugal last week in recognition of his 20 years as a director of the Blues.

Get the fastest and most comprehensive Ipswich Town news service at ipswichtown.footballlatest.co.uk.

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls