IPSWICH Town manager Paul Jewell has confirmed that he is finally on the verge of completing the loan acquisition of midfielder Keith Andrews from Blackburn Rovers.

The Blues have been in talks with the Republic of Ireland international for the last couple of weeks, but are now close to sealing the deal – believed to be for six months initially.

“We’re just waiting on some paperwork to come back from Blackburn,” said Jewell. “Hopefully he’ll be able to join in training this morning at 9.45 and we’ll have him until at least January.

“He’s a leader, tough, and an international player. He was injured last season quite a bit, but his hunger to come here has really impressed me. He could have just sat on some good wages in the Premier League, but he’s desperate to play games.

“There was a lot of interest from Championship clubs in him so I’m delighted he’s chosen to come here.”

Meanwhile, Jewell – who will be without Ivar Ingimarsson (thigh) and is sweating on the fitness of Damien Delaney (ankle) for Saturday’s visit of Hull – confirmed he is waiting to hear back on a bid for a centre-back.

“There’s been an offer in for a centre-half since Monday evening,” said Jewell. “We’re waiting to see if it is accepted so that we can speak to the player.

“It just seems that every player we go for seems to be interesting other clubs too. It’s quite amazing the lack of centre-halves that are available at the moment.

“It’s important we don’t just get one for buying’s sake.

“I’ve spoken to virtually every Premier League manager, but what we’re finding is that they are reluctant to let people go until they’ve got a replacement themselves.

“When the transfer window closes for Premier League clubs on August 31, I think you’ll see a lot of players being loaned out to Championship clubs.”

– For all the latest Ipswich Town transfer news, see tomorrow’s EADT and Evening Star.