IPSWICH Town chairman David Sheepshanks today revealed that a new proposal has been made to Blackburn Rovers.And he says that he is still hopeful the Blues will sign star striker Francis Jeffers from the Premiership club.

By Elvin King

IPSWICH Town chairman David Sheepshanks today revealed that a new proposal has been made to Blackburn Rovers.

And he says that he is still hopeful the Blues will sign star striker Francis Jeffers from the Premiership club.

But Sheepshanks, who is keen to assure fans that money will be spent on improving manager Jim Magilton's squad before the new season starts on August 11, also confirmed that the club has other 'realistic' options if Jeffers falls through.

“We are in constructive dialogue with Blackburn Rovers,” said Sheepshanks.

“The ball is still in play and we have made a new proposal. There is a disagreement over values at the moment.

“I am hopeful a deal can be completed and we are determined to bring Franny to Ipswich if we can.

“But we cannot pay over the odds.

“Nor can we breach the pay structure at our club.”

Although personal terms did not appear to be a problem at the end of last season - after Jeffers had netted four times and impressed while on loan from Ewood Park - this could well be the major sticking point now.

Blackburn has placed a £1million fee on Jeffers' head with Ipswich having made a reported 'final' bid of £500,000.

Sheepshanks admits that the delay is proving frustrating for supporters. “It is also very frustrating for me,” he said.

“And we appreciate we cannot wait for ever before looking seriously at alternatives to Franny.

“We have other options. They are of note and are realistic targets with Jim (Magilton) very interested.

“There comes a point when we will have to decide one way or the other, but I am still hoping for a prompt solution to the Franny situation.

“We have made very attractive offers for Franny to play at this club.”

Sheepshanks confirmed that with the Darren Bent 'sell-on' money - following his transfer from Charlton to Tottenham - coming in three instalments there is not an 'unlimited' sum available at this time.

“But we do intend to spend money on bringing the two, or perhaps, three newcomers we need to strengthen the manager's squad.

“We finished the season well and there have been no significant 'outs' and at this moment in time we don't anticipate any.

“Last May we said we were after Franny and one/two player(s) to add to the current squad - and this is still our intention.”

TOWN are reported to be interested in talking 18-year-old striker Andrew Carroll on loan from Newcastle United.

Reports in the north east suggest Carroll, who has made seven senior substitute appearances for Newcastle and became the youngest player to appear in Europe, is possibly on his way to Portman Road to gain experience.

Blues official Charlie Woods will know Carroll well from his time working alongside Sir Bobby Robson at St James' Park.