BLUES supporters are hoping to persuade Canadian whiz-kid Jaime Peters to sign for Ipswich Town by getting up a petition, writes Derek Davis.The novel idea is the brainchild of long-distance Town fan Simon Cobley, who has not even seen the 17-year-old international winger play yet.

BLUES supporters are hoping to persuade Canadian whiz-kid Jaime Peters to sign for Ipswich Town by getting up a petition, writes Derek Davis.

The novel idea is the brainchild of long-distance Town fan Simon Cobley, who has not even seen the 17-year-old international winger play yet.

Peters has had offers from Ipswich and Derby but Millwall are favourites to land his signature.

The former Kaiserslautern player, who bears a striking resemblance to David Johnson, has also enjoyed a trial at Manchester United but is believed to favour a move to London.

He is understood to be ready to make a decision within the next 72 hours and, as he is a free agent, has no trouble registering.

The petition urges Peters to sign for the Blues as they have the best record for bringing young talent through.

It also states: “Right now, we have an honest, hardworking and talented squad but we simply lack a right-winger.

“It is our firm believe (sic) that you would be an instant addition to our team rather than just another number in the first-team squad or reserves of another club.”

Cobley, a long-time Town fan who now lives in Gothenburg, explained why he started up the electronic petition.

He said: “In our present financial situation, and with a limited amount of money to bring in loanees or senior players, it seems to me that picking up a young player on presumably manageable wages is a priority.

“I haven't seen Peters play but I've only heard good things; he plays in a wide midfield position we completely lack and with the reputation of being capable of senior football to a decent level through Canada.

“I'd also see it as a kick in the teeth if he signed for Millwall, who have no youth pedigree (and he'd be behind Paul Ifill for the right-wing slot) or potentially disappear into obscurity at Man United when he appears to need competitive football at his age.

“I truly believe a player of his talent and ambitions should be partnered with Ipswich and developed by the experts we have and, hopefully, many fans saying the same thing might make him think again.”

The Blues have failed to land any of their loan targets since last March, apart from Tony Dinning, who has since returned to Wigan, and Cobley is not overly optimistic that Peters will be swayed.

He added: “I must admit I don't hold out much hope, given the earlier reports, but I don't know if any of the other sets of fans have made a personal appeal so, fingers crossed, ours may pay dividends.”

Speaking to the EADT from Canada last night, Peters' agent Barry McLean said: “It was very interesting to hear about the petition and that is something that would definitely come into the equation.

“I'm speaking to Jaimie's mum and dad in the next couple of days and Ipswich Town are very much in with a chance.

“Jaimie enjoyed his time when he was there and was very impressed with Ipswich.

“There are obviously strong connections with Jason De Vos and Frank Yallop also speaking highly of the club.

“I have also been impressed with what I have heard in my dealings with Ipswich. We will. probably make a decision sometime next week.”

You can sign the petition by e-mailing simon.cobley@hotmail.com