DAVID Sheepshanks last night admitted that Ipswich Town were as frustrated as Blues fans as the wrangling to sign Francis Jeffers drags on.The Blues chairman stopped short of actually handing Blackburn Rovers a deadline to complete a deal as talks reach a critical stage but warned that his patience, like the supporters', was wearing thin.

By Derek Davis

DAVID Sheepshanks last night admitted that Ipswich Town were as frustrated as Blues fans as the wrangling to sign Francis Jeffers drags on.

The Blues chairman stopped short of actually handing Blackburn Rovers a deadline to complete a deal as talks reach a critical stage but warned that his patience, like the supporters', was wearing thin.

Manager Jim Magilton wants Jeffers to be with the squad when they go to Loughborough University for a week's training on Monday and there are hopes an agreement can be reached before the weekend is over.

Sheepshanks last night said: “We are determined to get a deal done and supporters should know that we are still trying.

“We are still in discussions with Blackburn Rovers as we want to buy Francis Jeffers but negotiations are proving to be protracted.

“We remain hopeful but we can't allow it to go on indefinitely. Frankly it is frustrating but we remain hopeful a deal can be agreed and common sense will prevail.”

The Blues initially expressed an interest in making the Jeffers move a permanent one back in April after he scored four goals in nine appearance in a loan spell interrupted by a hamstring injury. Rovers shocked Town by demanding a £1m fee for the player who is in the final year of his contract and was kicking his heels in the reserves before joining Ipswich on loan.

Ipswich have made two offers, the second one edging towards £600,000, for the player who has made it clear he wants to play at Portman Road and not any other Championship club, but Rovers are holding out for more.

Although it is no secret that Jeffers remains Magilton's No. 1 target he has indicated he will look elsewhere if a satisfactory deal cannot be struck.

Although no move has been made as yet Pablo Counago and Malcolm Christie are in his thoughts along with a couple of other proven goal-scorers.

One of those is Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll, who Magilton has asked about talking on a loan basis.