Town boss Kieran McKenna was unable to give any update on trialist midfielder Massimo Luongo at his lunchtime press conference but hopes the Blues are able to make early additions during the January transfer window.

TWTD revealed that former Blues loanee Luongo was training at Playford Road 10 days ago with the 30-year-old's short-term Middlesbrough contract up in January.

The Australian international joined Boro in the summer but hasn’t played a minute and has only been on the bench twice.

“Massimo’s contract is still running for another week or so at Middlesbrough, so I think that’ll be the time to update on that one,” McKenna said when asked if there was any news on Luongo’s situation.

Quizzed on whether fans can expect early signings when the window opens, McKenna said: “It’s out of our control. We would love to, of course. The club are working really hard on some individuals and on some deals but it’s not in your control the timing of it and whether these things get over the line or not.

“We have to be consistent with our targets and the profiles that we want. We’ve identified those and the club are working very hard behind the scenes and we’d love to have those additions in for the very start of January if possible, but it’s a case of wait and see on that matter.”

He added: “We want to bring in players early. Of course, there are a lot of games in January and the sooner you can get players in they can start to contribute to those games, but also be ready to contribute to the second half of the season.

“So, I think any business that we are going to do, we'd like to do it as early as possible. I know that [CEO] Mark [Ashton] and the recruitment team are working really hard on that behind the scenes and are doing everything they can to make that happen.

“Of course, it's not easy and a lot of things are out of your control in any window and especially in the January window, there are so many moving parts.

“We have players coming back from injury and as soon as we've got the players back, we've now had this sickness bug in the camp for seven days or so, which has made it not easy.

“I think once we get through the next few days, then hopefully, we have a little bit of a pause of league action and we have good bodies back, and hopefully we'll be in a strong position in terms of the squad for the second half of the year.”

Photo: Action Images

Bazza8564 added 16:11 - Dec 31 "Hoping to have deals done early" is a lot different to "we will just have to wait and see". Id be amazed if one or two aren't done and dusted already......
6

WhoisJimmyJuan added 16:12 - Dec 31 My guess is Luongo will be joining on a short term deal to the end of the season. KmcK being diplomatic on that front so not saying anything. I think he would have finished his trial if we weren't interested. Just a guess of course.
3

warktheline added 16:22 - Dec 31 Excellent!….a far cry from those dark and hapless years under Evans ! I'm sure MOST would agree!
8

RegencyBlue added 16:28 - Dec 31 January isn't the best time to be doing business, we will be at the mercy of selling clubs who know we are desperate to strengthen. Suspect it's going to cost us big style to get the players we want, especially early in the window!
-5

terryf added 16:59 - Dec 31 We got Marcus Stewart in during the january sales and that didn't work out too bad!! Money talks in the end!
9

Westcountryblue added 17:52 - Dec 31 Luongo will be as good as done.
2

mojo added 18:01 - Dec 31 Terry I think Marcus joined us February/March time. No transfer windows back then. Sorry to sound pedantic
2

rfretwell added 18:57 - Dec 31 Can't see Luongo being signed, even on loan. No first team minutes at all this season.
0

DinDjarin added 19:18 - Dec 31 Stewart signed in Feb
1

Linkboy13 added 19:25 - Dec 31 Can't even get on the bench at Middlesborough sounds like a good prospect.
0

blues1 added 19:46 - Dec 31 Linkboy13. The fact he cant get on the bench at Boro means nothing. Sometimes things simply don't work out for a player at a particular club. Doesn't make him a bad player. Maybe im wrong, but im guessing ud take bonne? And he cant even get on the bench at qpr.
0

Oldozblue added 19:49 - Dec 31 See Stevenage manager saying their loanee Saxon Earley is going to be sold to Top End League One Club for a lot of money. Other reports say its Plymouth.
0

Oldozblue added 19:58 - Dec 31 Plymouth also just signed a New Zealand international striker - https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/sport/football/ben-waine-plymouth-argyle-a-7983
0

PortmanTerrorist added 20:59 - Dec 31 As a Club, our ambitions are clear and public. Given that and what Ashton has stated, every window is an opportunity to grow and improve the squad....and won't be passed up on regardless of the league we are in or position in the league. Not aware of who we will sign, but sign players we will. Trust the process and expect the unexpected and names not in the frame to walk in the door. Believe. COYB

0

Saxonblue74 added 21:21 - Dec 31 Regencyblue, we're a cash rich club in a game that is generally struggling compared to years gone by. ITFC are a real force these days, we call the shots
2

Eeyore added 21:46 - Dec 31 Saxon Early is a left back. Do he's not coming her. Plymouth I would think.
1

ipswichboi added 22:06 - Dec 31 Saxon Plymouth for sure. Scum won't sell to us
0

Saxonblue74 added 22:13 - Dec 31 now that confused me!
4

Karlosfandangal added 23:41 - Dec 31 Some deals will be done but we won't get the player till they have a replacement which will have a knock on effect bit like a chain when buy house
0

Blogs 295 bloggers

Ipswich Town Polls