Town manager Joe Royle says that a new goalkeeper and two new central defenders are his priorities over the summer, once the club is out of administration.

With James Pullen given a free transfer earlier in the week and Andy Marshall having had an inconsistent season, it is no surprise that a new number one will be on his way.

Royle told the club site of his summer intentions: "As soon as the club can be released from the restrictions that administration brings, then we will look at next season.

"We have looked at the squad and targeted the areas we feel need strengthening. Quite simply we have let in too many goals this year and that is our priority.

"We will be bringing in a new goalkeeper to challenge Andy Marshall for his place and hopefully two central defenders.

"With Bam Bam, John McGreal and Mark Venus all injured this season, we have been left light at the back.

"Chris Makin, who is an excellent full-back, has had to be pushed inside and he's done a good job there but it's not where we will get the best out of him.

"We know the goalkeeper we want and we also have a list of players we are interested in, not only to add to the squad but also to bring in should any of the players we have at the moment, move on."

In November 2002 Royle brought Paul Gerrard in on loan at Town and a return by the Everton stopper would hardly be a shock. Gerrard, unwanted at Goodison Park, previously linked up with Royle at the Toffees and at Oldham.

Gerrard's five-game spell at Town was largely a success and was due to be extended until he picked up a knee injury in training.

The 30-year-old former England U21 says he wants a move away from Everton despite having another year left on his contract.

With former Town keeper Richard Wright established as David Moyes' first choice, and Steve Simonsen also at the club, The Toffees may be willing to allow Gerrard, who joined them for £1 million in July 1996, to leave on a free.

Royle also made enquiries regarding Manchester City's Nicky Weaver when he brought Gerrard to Portman Road. However, Weaver has suffered with a knee injury all season and is likely to continue to be out of action for some time to come.

The Town manager's admission that he is looking for two central defenders may well indicate that Mark Venus will not be offered a new contract when his current deal is up at the end of June.

The only central defenders linked with Town over the last few months were Boro's Tony Vidmar and Carlisle skipper Peter Murphy, although Joe Royle has refuted that he is interested in Vidmar.

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