Boss Joe Royle has confirmed that he made a loan enquiry regarding Manchester City striker Robbie Fowler. And the Town manager says he has not ruled out making further attempts to bring the 30-year-old former England man to Portman Road.

Royle said: "We asked about Robbie Fowler before the [emergency loan] deadline and they felt they couldn't consider it. Beyond that at the moment I can't say anything else.

"But we've asked once and I've never been shy of being told to go away. Our need is hard-bitten pro who knows how to stick the ball in the net."

Meanwhile, Royle has been impressed with all three current trialists, Ivorian defender Arthur Gnohere, Dutch striker Iwan Redan and French full-back Delis Ahou.

Former Caen, Burnley and QPR man Gnohere is without a club at present and is being given time to prove himself after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a knee injury. Redan, who plays with ex-Blue Martijn Reuser at Willem II, and Gazelec Ajaccio defender Ahou will return to their clubs at the weekend.

Royle said: "Arthur will stay here indefinitely, until we make a decision on him one way or the other.

"He has missed a lot of football. He has been out injured for a while but is getting back to full fitness. He is trying his heart out and would love to stay here.

"The other two lads will be going home but they have both done well. They are athletic, quick and comfortable on the ball and that's a good start.

"We will be bringing in some more trialists in the first week of January and will then consider all our options unless someone jumps out and says 'take me' and we have yet to see that."

One player who could return on trial is Marítimo striker Sammy Youssouf. The Dane's spell at Town was cut short by his Portuguese club and the Blues may decide to look at him again.

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