IPSWICH Town may be foiled in their bid to sign sought-after young striker Charlie Austin from League One Swindon Town.

The 21-year-old discussed personal terms with the Blues last night but no agreement was reached leading to fears that a deal might not be struck. More talks are expected today. The clubs had agreed a fee somewhere between �1.5million and �2m.

Ipswich are making no comment on the Austin deal, but Swindon boss Danny Wilson said: “We’ve had a bid accepted from Ipswich and we’ve given Charlie permission to talk to them.

“With the transfer window closing, clubs are now looking to get the player they’ve been tracking for most of the season.”

Blackpool, Southampton and Burnley have also been linked with Austin. Town were linked with the former Thatcham Town, Hungerford Town and Poole Town striker 13 months ago.

Austin signed for Swindon in October 2009 having already netted 18 goals in 11 appearances for Poole in 2009/10.

He netted a further 20 goals for Swindon in his first season in professional football, and this season he has netted 17 times, taking his tally with Swindon to 37 goals in 65 appearances.

If there is ultimately disappointment regarding Austin, at least Jewell can look forward to playing experienced midfielder Jimmy Bullard against Derby County in the next Championship game on Tuesday night.

Bullard moved to Portman Road on a season-long loan from Hull City yesterday.

Ipswich are stressing that they are paying far less than half Bullard’s reported �45,000 a week Hull wages – more like �11,000.

Jewell is in the middle of talks with skipper David Norris and key defender Gareth McAuley and more on their futures should be known by the weekend.

There is also the possibility of a current striker leaving before the transfer window closes on Monday, although Swansea have denied interest in Jason Scotland returning to the Welsh club.