IPSWICH TOWN: Blues manager Roy Keane looks like going it alone again this season.

He revealed today that his search for an experienced assistant has not been high on his agenda this summer and that it is currently on the back burner.

Keane, who has confirmed that he has had an offer for a new player accepted and received offers for three of his current squad, said:

“I made a comment at the end of last season that I was looking for an assistant, but it has not been a priority.

“My attentions have been centred on a holiday, reflecting on last season, ensuring we pick up no unnecessary pre-season injuries and working towards having a good start to 2010/11.

“I did speak to a candidate and the conversation went well, but he has ended up getting another job.”

This is believed not to be Brendan Rodgers, who has taken over as manager of Swansea this summer, as Keane is seeking a man who has managed at the top level and has high level experience.

Talking about how pre-season has gone, Keane says it has been totally different than 12 months ago.

“Perhaps more by accident than design because we ideally wanted another game or two in Holland our preparations this time have been like chalk and cheese compared to last summer,” added Keane.

“But it’s working okay and is far better organised.

“Last year it was hectic to say the least with a new manager, new staff, new players, hours of travelling, house and school hunting and no canteen with our training ground being renovated.

“We also picked up injuries, which apart from Damien Delaney we have managed to keep clear of this time.”

Sunderland keeper Marton Fulop is reported to be the player Town have had a bid accepted for with Keane adding:

“We’ve had an offer accepted for a player and are close on that deal and with another player, which will be a year-long loan.

“There could also be movement with another player coming in as well, so I’ll be talking to two or three players over the next few days.

“The players concerned include two that I had in mind at the end of last season. I had a target list of four or five players and, while you rarely get all five, if I get two out of the five I will be pleased.”

Owen Garvan and Alex Bruce are believed to be two of the three players Keane has confirmed that he has had offers for.

“We have not accepted any offers but talks are on-going with three clubs about three players.

“I’m fairly relaxed about it because even if we agree a fee with a club, it will be down to the player if he wants to go.

“But I think we are close on one or two and it could be that we have three players in next week and three moving on.”

Cardiff City Michael Chopra has had a go at the Bluebirds and this will heighten speculation about Town signing the free-scoring striker.

Chopra said: “I’m well hacked off. If this club doesn’t bring in new players, I’m off. I’ve had enough.

“I can see that we will struggle this season if people at board level don’t get real and sort this matter (the financial struggles) out.”