Young Arsenal full-back Gael Clichy has emerged as another of Joe Royle's recent loan targets. The Town boss has been on the lookout for one or more temporary signings for over a month but has had little luck in landing players who he feels will add to the quality of his squad.

The Town enquiry regarding the Clichy came prior to his recent burst to prominence since taking over from the injured Ashley Cole in the Arsenal first team. Royle says the Frenchman, who signed for the Gunners from Cannes last August, would have added to his defensive options: "Yes, we asked about him, and he would have been an answer to our full back problems.

"But Gael is in the Arsenal European pool, and he has since emerged to make a big impact on the first team scene."

"Arsenal did not feel that they could release their player, and that was the end of the matter."

Town's lack of success in the loan market must be starting to frustrate Royle by now, the Blues having targeted Oleg Luzhny from Wolves, Birmingham pair Martin Grainger and Jeff Kenna as well as Reading's Shaun Goater and Boro's Robbie Stockdale in recent weeks.

Ironically, this time last season Town were desperate for short-term additions to their squad but were unable to bring them in due to the transfer embargo slapped on sides in administration.

This season the finance is there for at least a couple of players to come in on loan, but so far finding the right player whose club is willing to allow them to leave and who is keen on a drop into Division One has not proved easy.

No doubt Royle will look to continue his search when the squad returns from their short break in Tenerife this evening.

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