Boss Jim Magilton says former Blue Pablo Couñago could come into his plans should he fail to sign former loanee Franny Jeffers from Blackburn Rovers. Couñago, released by Málaga at the end of the season, was linked with a return to Town in the Spanish press last week.

Despite his interest, Magilton says he is yet to speak to the 27-year-old's representatives: “I'm a big fan of Pablo, and if his agent got in touch I would have a conversation with him, but at the moment there has been no contact at all.”

The Blues boss says Malcolm Christie, recently released by Middlesbrough, may also come into his thoughts should the Jeffers signing fall through, despite previously being reported to have denied links with the 28-year-old.

Town are still confident that they will land Jeffers, with Coventry also understood to have had a bid turned down and Norwich City now also linked.

Magilton, who will be in Belfast next week taking his UEFA ‘A' Licence, has once again denied Coventry interest in Alan Lee, who has more recently been linked with Hull City.

The Town manager has reiterated that Middlesbrough defender Matthew Bates is a potential loan option for the season ahead. Bates played twice for the Blues last year before picking up a serious knee injury.

Magilton has also repeated his desire to sign a ball-winning midfield player over the summer.

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