Town boss George Burley has said that a new midfielder could be on their way to Portman Road, possibly by the middle of next week. The identity remains a mystery but several names immediately spring to mind as possibilities. It is not thought this player is the Third Division youngster targeted last week.

Burley, at Epsom to watch the Derby today, said: "I am hoping to complete the signing of a midfielder, perhaps in the middle of next week."

Hassan Kachloul's name once again has been thrust to the forefront after his agent admitted he had been talking to Town (see NewsNet yesterday). The player himself is in Morocco playing for his national side. Wages could be the major sticking point with 28-year-old already rejecting a £13,000 a week deal with the Saints. They are now looking to Elfsborg's Anders Svensson to fill Kachloul's role at the Dell.

Tranmere's Jason Koumas has been linked with Town since last October, but Town may be unlikely to pay £3 million, his quoted price, for a player with no experience at the top level.

Hamed Kavianpour is also in the frame. The 22-year old Iranian player is desperate to play in Europe and is one of Asia's most highly-rated players. He had a trial with Town last season after which the Town boss said he would keep an eye on his progress. He currently plays at home for Perspolis, but feels that if his career is to progress he should move to Europe where there is a greater level of professionalism and better pitches. He was linked once more last week and has also had a trial at Bolton Wanderers.

Then again George Burley clearly has an interest in a Danish player. Three names have been linked in the last couple of weeks, two denied (Nygaard and Tomasson) and one out of Town's price range (Jorgensen) and Burley was at their game with Malta on Wednesday. However, he did say that he wasn't likely to take this "any further for the moment."

Of course, when it comes to transfers George is a man of mystery, so fully expect someone we have never heard of or never been linked with to be revealed at a press conference this week.

Town's friendly with Parma, provisionally planned for August 3rd or 4th, looks unlikely to go ahead. The Italians will finish fourth in Serie A and therefore play in the third qualifying round of the Champions' League, a game which will take place on either the 7th or 8th August.

Town do however, want to bring in a high class replacement, George Burley: "We can understand Parma’s situation. There’s a little problem there now that they know they are in the Champions League. It is a bit up in the air at the moment, but we have other irons in the fire and we will still have a top-class side coming here. It won’t necessarily be an Italian side, but I can’t say any more at this stage. We are trying to tie things up."

Forms will be going out to last season's Portman Plus scheme members and 500 new recruits. Those wanting to join can still get forms from the World of Punch or from the official website.

Portman Plus memebers are entitled to join the ballot which for next season will entitle them to watch games once the lower tier of the North Stand is up and running. After which ballot tickets will be on the uncovered terrace. The first UEFA Cup game will be during the period when the new North will not be in use. Season ticket holders have all been guaranteed tickets, although not necessarily their own. The away allocation for UEFA games is 5% while larger advertising hoardings are often used for European matches.

The 2,000 people on the Waiting List who have been granted tickets will be receiving their application forms and have 'til July 2nd to get them back to the club.

Town are also looking into travel arrangements for European trips. Priority was announced a few weeks ago with Away Match Passport holders first, then Portman Plus Gold then regular Portman Plus and so on as in the priority for regular matches.

Town coach Tony Mowbray will marry girlfriend Amber Spurling next week at a church on the Suffolk/Essex border. It will be the Town coach's second marriage, his first wife Bernadette died of cancer at the beginning of 1995.

Mogga's playing career is now at and end as he becomes a full-time coach with Town. TWTD wishes him and his new wife all the best for the future.

Photo: Action Images via Reuters