ALEX Bruce is in line for a Blues recall with the transfer window opening with a whimper.

Derek Davis

By Derek Davis

ALEX Bruce is in line for a Blues recall with the transfer window opening with a whimper.

Although deals can be done as of this morning Ipswich Town are not expecting any ins or outs before their weekend FA Cup tie with Chesterfield.

Bruce, who returns from a four-match ban, is hoping to get the nod to play even though his future hangs in the balance.

A number of clubs are understood to be interested in the defender who is out of contract in the summer and with Ipswich insisting they will not talk contacts with any of the 14 players who are free to leave in June, offers could follow this month.

Town are still looking to bring in a centre half and with Irishman Graham Gartland signing from St Johnstone that is one option gone so once again Hermann Hreidarsson is being linked with the Blues after making it clear he expects to leave Portsmouth in the window.

As a former Town player it is possible Jim Magilton will sign the Icelander although would need to be satisfied he has the desire as well as the legs, for a push towards the play-offs.

Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll has again been linked but the �1.5m Town are supposedly willing to pay seems fanciful for a player that has made one senior appearance for the Tyneside club and did not distinguish himself on loan at Preston.

While Magilton is hoping to bring in at least one defender, a left-sided player and another striker, it is more likely players will be going out first.

As expected Darren Ambrose went back to Charlton after his loan spell expired and the club revealed earlier in the week that he will not be offered a permanent contract.

Tommy Miller has been linked with a January departure, although a return to Hartlepool is unlikely, while club captain Richard Naylor's future is also up in the air.

Naylor told the EADT last week he was happy to be patient and wait until towards the end of the season for a new deal to be discussed.

A clutch of Town players that have been on loan are expected to go back out, perhaps even on permanent deals.

Dan Harding has made it clear he would like to return to Southend and the Shrimpers wants to keep him but Town will hold out for a fee and may wait and see if anyone else comes in for the left-back before letting him leave, meaning he will now miss out on the FA Cup tie against Chelsea this weekend.

Darlington boss Dave Penney had also made it clear he would like to sign Billy Clarke and the Irishman has said he would prefer to play there than in Town's reserves but again the club may make him wait until later in the month.

Liam Trotter has also said he can see a future at Grimsby but again while Town are looking to let him go before his contract expires in the summer he may have to wait.

Dean Bowditch loan spell at Brentford ends next week, while Matt Richards could be joining Brighton longer term.

Other fringe players wait to see what their future holds with Shane Supple, who is out of contract in June, still waiting to play for Town this season, Ed Upson, Jai Reason and Kurt Robinson, all expected to find new clubs.

Iv�n Campo is working towards earning a contract extension with his one year deal heading towards the end, although there is a one year option open to both parties.

derek.davis@eadt.co.uk