JIM Magilton has not given up hope of landing former team-mate Dejan Stefanovic.We revealed last week that the Serbian defender was a target for the Blues boss and even though a deal has yet to be done with Fulham and the player, Magilton is still hopeful he can land him before next Thursday's deadline.

Derek Davis

JIM Magilton has not given up hope of landing former team-mate Dejan Stefanovic.

We revealed last week that the Serbian defender was a target for the Blues boss and even though a deal has yet to be done with Fulham and the player, Magilton is still hopeful he can land him before next Thursday's deadline.

Magilton said: “I know Dejan and I know what he can bring to a football club.

"I played with him at Sheffield Wednesday. He is an experienced pro and has played at the highest level for a number of years.

"I think he could come in and bring that composure and little bit of quality that we're going to need in the last six or seven games.

"These lads who are here at the moment have done fantastic but if there is a possibility of bringing him in then we'll try again.”

Although Magilton has stretched his net far and wide to bring in reinforcements he has been focusing on three possible targets.

He said: “We've got until next Thursday and we're hopeful of getting at least one new face, if not two. We will get Saturday out the way and then review it over the weekend.”

Magilton confirmed that Ipswich had made an ambitious inquiry to take Darren Bent back on loan from Spurs, although accepted it was not going to happen.

Earlier this week we reported that Ipswich had made the move for Bent but Spurs are reluctant to let him go at the moment.

Magilton said: “We did try for Benty and there is nothing wrong in that. We were trying to take advantage of a lad going through a tricky spell but it didn't stop us from making a discreet enquiry.

"It was cheeky but we have an owner who is going to back us and give us every opportunity to succeed. Getting someone of that ilk is going to give us a slight edge.

"We are trying to bring those people in who are going to raise the bar and more importantly give our lads a lift. It's not a case of bringing someone in to intimidate them - he's going to help them."

If Town are not successful in landing their targets then Magilton has the option of dipping deeper into his squad and was impressed with many of the players pushing for places after they destroyed a young Colchester reserve side on Monday.

He said: “Ed Upson is coming, Liam Trotter coming, we know Gavin Williams is a very good player and Gary Roberts is back in the picture.”

Crewe are keen to take Roberts back on loan but Magilton will not make a final decision until after the Scunthorpe game.

He said: “We will see how things pan out on Saturday and decide after the weekend.”

With eight games of the regular season remaining Magilton believes five wins could be enough to finish in the top six.

Although Scunthorpe are second bottom Magilton appreciates they are dangerous opponents and his side will need to be at their best.

He said: “We need big performances from all the players away from home. Scunthorpe are fighting for their lives and they will do anything to survive. I know I would. It is going to be a very difficult game.”

Town will be without four key players at Glanford Park and beyond.

Jon Walters is recuperating after a cartilage operation and out until at least the Hull City game on the final day of the regular season.

Richard Naylor has seen a specialist in London and is now under review but will probably need surgery.

Shefki Kuqi's hamstring injury is not as bad as first feared and they are hoping he will be back in training next week, while David Norris has had another injection in his heel and is out for Saturday