Town boss Joe Royle has revealed that he has had a loan bid for a Premiership player turned down. However, Royle says he is still waiting to hear from other clubs.

Royle said: “I've had a 'no' from a Premiership club as regards one player I had high hopes for, so I doubt anything will happen before the weekend. I am still waiting on replies from other clubs though.”

The Town manager has kept his cards fairly close to his chest regarding his targets, although he recently denied a report linking Charlton's Chris Powell and said he was not looking for a full-back.

Last week Royle targeted Reading's Shaun Goater and he admits a goal poacher is still in his thoughts: “The one thing we don't have at the club is a goal thief, a Johnny-on-the- spot in the six-yard box, who the ball almost hits and goes in."

A winger in the mould of Alan Mahon could well be another area Royle is looking at, but the Irishman himself looks unlikely to return.

The Blackburn midfielder would only be allowed to return on loan for another couple of weeks before he reaches the three-month limit, while Royle says that the club would be unable to sign him permanently, even on a free transfer, due to the level of his wages.

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