Reports in Manchester claim that Joe Royle may target players from his spell as manager of Manchester City. Utility-man Gerard Wiekens is said to be his most likely target.

Yesterday, at his press conference, Royle gave the current Town squad his backing but did say that he could look to loan signings if results are not forthcoming.

He pointed to players currently out of favour with Premiership clubs, although added that on the downside: "You're taking on somebody else's problems."

Due to the club's current financial position he has no money to go out and buy, something that was made clear to him at an early stage of negotiations with Town.

The highly speculative article also suggests that Royle may take an interest in a number of other City players including Paul Ritchie, Jeff Whitley, Nick Weaver, Paul Dickov and Shaun Goater.

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