JIM Magilton's plans to sign a keeper look set to hit the rocks again with a number of key targets proving elusive.It is understood the hoped-for capture of Richard Wright's is now extremely unlikely to happen with West Ham now reluctant to allow him to leave in case they lose their battle to keep Rob Green.

Derek Davis

JIM Magilton's plans to sign a keeper look set to hit the rocks again with a number of key targets proving elusive.

It is understood the hoped-for capture of Richard Wright's is now extremely unlikely to happen with West Ham now reluctant to allow him to leave in case they lose their battle to keep Rob Green.

A couple of their Premier League rivals, with Aston Villa topping the list, are looking to tempt the former Norwich City keeper away from Upton Park and that could pave the way for Wright to capture the number one spot.

Town were knocked back in an approach to Preston about Andy Lonergan's availability and their interest never even got to a price being discussed, according to Derek Shaw, the Lilywhites' chairman.

Shaw said: “Contrary to speculation in the media we have not had three bids from Ipswich Town for Andy Lonergan. I received a call from Ipswich last week but we didn't even get to the stage of talking money - I told them Andy was not for sale and it ended there.”

The Blues may now turn to England squad member Joe Lewis, although a number of Premier League clubs, chiefly Everton and Manchester City, are pursuing the youngster, who was coached at Norwich City by Town's new goalkeeping coach James Hollman.

Hopes of luring German keeper Simon Jentzsch from Wolfsburg have hit a stumbling-block with their coach Felix Magath not as keen to let him go as first believed, and certainly not for a realistic price.

Thomas Sorensen, who was keenly coveted by Magilton, has still not been fixed up and the Blues will continue to monitor the Dane's situation although he has made it clear he wants a Premier League club. Fulham's Antti Niemi has said he wants to stay and challenge Mark Schwartzer for the number spot at Craven Cottage while rumours that Kelvin Davis could be on his way back appear to have no foundation.

The chances of Southampton's Rudi Skacel coming are much higher, with Ipswich and Southampton keen to do a deal for the left-footed Czech Republic international.

The Blues are also in for two strikers with talks already under way with Colchester United's Kevin Lisbie, while they hope to speak personally with Nuremburg's Angelos Charisteas after his holiday.