Town are planning a loan move for Aston Villa youngster Stephen O'Halloran, according to one of this morning's tabloids. Last week, TWTD reported that chief scout Steve McCall had watched the Republic of Ireland international in action for Villa's reserves against West Ham.

Boss Jim Magilton has said he has a versatile Premiership defender in mind and is currently deciding whether to bring him in as cover during Richard Naylor's absence while he recovers from toe surgery.

O'Halloran is very much a player in that mould and is highly rated by Villa manager Martin O'Neill. The 21-year-old, who won his first two Republic of Ireland senior caps during their summer tour of the USA, spent time on loan at Wycombe Wanderers last season. While with the Chairboys the Cork-born player was used as a left-back, but usually plays at centre-half.

TWTD speculated that O'Halloran could be Town's central defensive loan target after learning that McCall watched last week's reserve game between the Hammers and Villa, with the Irishman the only player on show fitting the description of Jim Magilton's targeted defender.

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

Photo: Action Images

Ipswich Town Polls