Swindon pair Matt Ritchie (left) and Paul Caddis are the two players from one club that Town boss Paul Jewell revealed he had lodged a bid for after yesterday’s game. TWTD has learned that the Blues were represented at Barnet on Tuesday to watch the duo in action for the Robins in a Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie.

Ritchie, the subject of a recent £500,000 offer from League One side Bournemouth and who is linked with Reading, Crystal Palace and Sheffield Wednesday in this morning’s tabloids, is a 22-year-old left-footed winger.

Born in Gosport, the 5ft 8in tall wideman began his career with Portsmouth making six starts and four sub appearances for Pompey, while also going out on loan to Dagenham, Notts County and Swindon.

After his second spell at the County Ground, he moved to Wiltshire on a permanent basis in January 2011, signing a deal until the summer of 2013. Swindon’s Player of the Year last season, Ritchie, who can play on either flank but usually the right, has scored nine goals in 29 starts during this campaign.

Speaking after Ritchie netted twice in yesterday's 2-1 win at Rotherham, manager Paolo Di Canio said he wanted to hang on to him if possible: "I told him a few days ago to concentrate on his football here.

"We want to keep him at the club and he is a key part of what we are trying to do. He was fantastic today and he challenged well. His finishes were very cool and I hope he can keep going."

Caddis

Right-back or right midfielder Caddis, 23, began his career with Celtic, making 10 starts and 14 sub appearances for the Glasgow side and also spending time on loan at Dundee United while at Parkhead.

Former Scotland U21 international skipper Caddis joined Swindon for an undisclosed fee in the summer of 2010, signing a three-year deal. The 5ft 7in tall Scot's brothers Ryan and Liam play for Ayr United and St Johnstone respectively.

Town are unlikely to land the pair, who have built an impressive partnership down Swindon's right, for less than £1.5 million in total, although the clubs are probably discussing a players plus cash deal with Ronan Murray understood to be keen to sign on permanently with the League Two after his loan spell. The Irish U21 international is likely to reduce the Blues’ outlay by around £100,000 with his contract up this summer.

In addition to the Swindon pair, Blues boss Jewell revealed that his side had also tabled a third bid and that the club hoped to do the deals by the time they visit Leeds next week.

Meanwhile, ex-Blues defender Hermann Hreidarsson has been linked with a move from Portsmouth to Coventry City.

Photos: Action Images

Photo: Action Images

shaunminx added 12:18 - Jan 15 Can't please some on here can they? Been in need of a right back since we got rid of wright so now they're looking at one people are crowing on saying we need a cb more! Maybe the third player is a cb! God alive some of you be happy that young players are being targeted in positions we need rather than has been midfielders or strikers.
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casanovacrow added 12:20 - Jan 15 Caddis to my knowledge is primarily a RB
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walberswick added 12:26 - Jan 15 Both a bit short.
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jas0999 added 12:29 - Jan 15 Would be more like it. Right ages at least - but do we need a wide player? Carson and Martin are playing well IMO. CB x 2 is a priority and frankly we need them urgently.
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TerryButchersBandage added 12:33 - Jan 15 Just seen gio coming out of the novotel. I asked for his autograph, but he said he couldn't stop because he was just setting of to get something to eat. Probably KFC!
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B00J added 12:36 - Jan 15 Glad with the bids still need CB though.
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TractorBoy666 added 12:50 - Jan 15 Finally a RB! Sound good players of what i've heard on here! Hope we can sign them up.
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casanovacrow added 12:53 - Jan 15 Martin seems to be playing better recently in a free role behind the front man in my opinion. Has stopped him needing to do so many lunging tackles. Play martin there, carson/edwards on the right and ritchie on the left.
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GTRKing added 13:11 - Jan 15 This is what I like to see. Both young & One is a RB & They both good mates. The LW Will Provide Cover for Martin. I see they won't Come soon but swap for murray & £500,000 will do They Prob come after Leeds game. Then we need 2 CB's & 1 Striker. Next season we will push for premotion. I have faith in Jewell if he gets these 2 Players & Gets a few more
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walberswick added 13:15 - Jan 15 Why didn't we make this offer at the beginning ot the trnasfer window if we think that's who we need. Or are we making it up as we go along Paul.
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GTRKing added 13:20 - Jan 15 No PJ Kept it quiet & Just told us now to make the fans happy. We will get these 2 in this transfer window I hope
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Guthrum added 13:29 - Jan 15 These are the kind of people I was hoping we'd be after this January. In reality, this is only Jewell's second transfer window (had just arrived at the club this time last year) and the summer was spent trying to get experienced players in to shore up a poor team gutted by the loss of McA and Norris - which was largely wasted through injury and signings who didn't perform. Am hoping this is the signs of the beginning of Jewell's true strategy for Ipswich Town.

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casanovacrow added 13:30 - Jan 15 They'll cost us far more than 500K and Murray :-|wouldn't be surprised if we were looking at 3 times that and Murray. Murry isn't worth much as his contract is nearly out.
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scottmdp added 13:31 - Jan 15 My mate's a Swindon fan & isn't too happy bout this news as he says that they're best 2 players in squad. He's not over impressed my Murray either, by way.
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scottmdp added 13:31 - Jan 15 My mate's a Swindon fan & isn't too happy bout this news as he says that they're best 2 players in squad. He's not over impressed my Murray either, by way.
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davekl12 added 13:51 - Jan 15 Really good sign, Ritchie has bundles of energy in abundance with ability.... Exciting! Although I can't help but get the impression we're rebuilding a team that's already been rebuilt.... Jewell needs to be ruthless, forget the money grabbing Bullard's of this world, play the youngsters who will give a 100% account of themselves!
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singtown added 13:55 - Jan 15 Hope this deal can be concluded ASAP as we need cover and new players to turn up the tempo, more pace in the team will be great!
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alfromcol added 13:59 - Jan 15 Can't understand the critics of Jimmy Bullard. He will come good again and will continue to be an asset to the squad. What young aspiring footballer wouldn't want to play alongside someone with the skill and reading of the game that Jimmy has?
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Dallas_Blues added 14:26 - Jan 15 They sound decent enough. Still need (at least) 2 CBs.
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MickMillsTash added 14:30 - Jan 15 Know nothing about them. I think that the past few months have shown that attitude is probably as important as ability - could be a huge step in the right direction.
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Sindre94 added 14:31 - Jan 15 YES PLEASE
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Ipswichbusiness added 14:41 - Jan 15 Right ages but why do we need a left winger and a right midfielder? It's defence that is the overwhelming priority; two centre backs and a right back please!
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righty added 15:04 - Jan 15 This is the worst manager in the history of Ipswich I wouldnt trust him with 10P If I were the 2 Swindon players I would stay where they are as we will be in the same Div next season them fighting for promotion us fighting against relegation . Stay where you are lads you will be better off trust me
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DurhamTownFan added 15:18 - Jan 15 Good news, although the way we're going these two are better off staying at Swindon!
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DurhamTownFan added 15:18 - Jan 15 Good news, although the way we're going these two are better off staying at Swindon!
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