IPSWICH Town manager Paul Jewell has still not given up hope of signing Keith Andrews on a permanent deal before the transfer window closes next Tuesday.

The Republic of Ireland international midfielder scored nine goals and captained the side for a period during a half-season loan spell at Town from Blackburn earlier in the campaign.

The 31-year-old is reportedly now in talks with his Premier League employers Blackburn regarding the termination of his contract. He still has 18 months remaining on his lucrative deal but has stated that he doesn’t want to play for the Ewood Park club again.

A host of top-flight clubs have been linked with his signature, with Wigan believed to be leading the chase.

“I spoke to Steve Kean (Blackburn manager) on Monday and asked what the situation with Keith was,” said Jewell.

“He said they’d had a bit of a stand-off about it, with the owners wanting a transfer fee. He seemed to think something might get resolved in the next few days.

“We’d like to think we’ve got a chance (of signing Andrews), but if we’re up against Premier League clubs it’s going to be difficult for us.”