Town chairman David Sheepshanks says he is keen to keep all three of the current loanees if it is possible. Manager Joe Royle recently said he wants Alan Mahon, Chris Bart-Williams and Shefki Kuqi to stay, however questions remain over funding the moves.

Sheepshanks says: "All three loan players have done good jobs and all being well we will be able to look at a permanent solution.

“But there is no point in discussing it further at this juncture.

“The more successful we are on the pitch, the better the crowds we will get, and the better the prospects of keeping them.

“A good cup run, television revenue and increased attendance are all a factor.

“Also the success of the share issue will determine if we can invest in the team.

“So it is in our own hands, the onus is not really on the supporters. It always comes back down to how well the team performs on the pitch; the more successful we are, the better off financially we will be.”

Mahon, currently out with a hamstring injury, has another month left of his three-month loan while Chris Bart-Williams is likely to be allowed to stay at Town for another four weeks by Charlton.

Shefki Kuqi is with the Blues until Christmas with a provisional deal done between the Blues and Sheffield Wednesday, reportedly for a fee of £250,000.

Kuqi's wages of £6,000-a-week would not be such a problem to Town as Mahon and Bart-Williams' Premiership earnings.

Mahon has another season on his contract at Ewood Park but Blackburn are said to be willing to let him leave on a free transfer, although Joe Royle had not had this confirmed two weeks ago.

Bart-Williams' contract with the Addicks is up next summer and he is also likely to be available on a free transfer.

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