Town chief executive Derek Bowden says the Blues are continuing their search for loan players, but no new addition will be in the squad before Saturday's home game with Swansea City. A defender and a left-sided midfielder remain on Jim Magilton's wish-list.

Bowden said: "We are actively looking at bringing in loan players but it is unlikely at the moment that we will have someone in place before the weekend.”

Stoke's Ryan Shawcross has been linked with the Blues on several occasions over the last couple of months, but the Potters appear to be unwilling to allow the former Manchester United trainee to move on.

Meanwhile, an extra 100 police will be on duty at Saturday's game with Swansea and Portman Road will be closed off to home supporters after the final whistle. The moves follow trouble involving Swansea fans at their recent game with Cardiff.

Elsewhere, former Blue Ian Westlake is on trial at Cheltenham Town having been told he is not in manager Gary McAllister's plans at Leeds.

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